Deanna J. Chandler
Deanna Jean “Dee” Chandler, age 65, passed away peacefully from complications of diabetes on April 6, 2026, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She was born in McCook, Neb., on August 20, 1960, to Gary A. and D. Jean (Nelson) Schick and spent most of her childhood in the Curtis, Neb. area. Her introduction to the work world was as a cook at the Raider Inn in Curtis, because at fourteen, she was too young to be a waitress.
She graduated from Medicine Valley High School at Curtis in 1978.
On August 20, 1978, Deanna was married to Michael Chandler at the United Methodist Church in Curtis. They were living at Paxton, Neb., when their children, Shannon and Jeremy, were born.
Deanna was working for a law firm in Ogallala, Neb., when her marriage ended, and she decided to pursue a law career of her own. With her children in tow, she moved to Kearney, Neb., where she received a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, following which she was enrolled at Creighton University School of Law in Omaha. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 1998 and passed the Nebraska State Bar Commission exam later that year.
After working in the legal department of a title insurance company in Omaha for a few years, she started her own title insurance company.
On February 2, 2001, Deanna was married to Gene Shaw, and they have made their home in Omaha.
When the title insurance business took a hit during a slump in the housing market, Deanna sold her business. She then worked as an eviction attorney, a job which required both grit and compassion. Declining health eventually forced her to take early retirement.
Deanna was a free spirit; thus, her artistic nature ran in all directions. In high school she took up painting, but when she was introduced to a potter’s wheel and kiln in college that became her passion. Later she worked with ceramic tiles until crippling arthritis took away the use of her hands. In the past few years, Deanna’s home has been the outlet for her creative endeavors.
Above all, Deanna loved her family. She is survived by her husband, Gene Shaw of Omaha; children, Shannon Chandler of Curtis and Jeremy (Amy) Chandler of Florissant, Colo.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; mother, Jean Smith of Curtis; sister, Karen Smith and brother, Brian (Cindy) Smith, all of Lincoln, Neb.; motherin-law Linda Shaw, of Omaha; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Schick and step-father, Royston Smith.
The Arbor Cremation Society of Omaha is in charge of arrangements.
The family will celebrate her life at a later date.
