Deidre Kathleen Slankard, 44, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Richland Nursing and Rehab in Olney, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 20, 1980 in Olney, the daughter of Jimmy and Kathy (Pflaum) Slankard.

In 1994, Deidre was looking forward to cheerleading and playing tennis during her freshman year at ERHS. She loved all sports and could not decide which one was her favorite. Deidre was very artistic with a magnetic personality, but sadly she was unable to reach her full potential. Her playful mischievous spirit and love of life will be missed by those who knew her.

Her favorite vacation spot was Panama City Beach, FL, where she could find seashells along the beach and make new friends.

Deidre lived in Olney for most of her life until April of 2019, when she moved to Murray Development Center in Centralia, IL.

Deirdre is survived by her mother, Kathy; father, Jimmy and step-mother Tammy; brother, Kyle, half-brothers, Adam and Jacob; step-siblings, Alex and Victoria Lenear; family friend, Thomas Kurtz, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, June and Carl Pflaum and Neva and William "Pete" Slankard.

Deidre's family would like to thank her many dedicated caregivers throughout the years.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

A funeral service will be held for Deidre at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation for friends and family beginning at 9:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the service at Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney.

Memorials can be made to Olney First Methodist Church.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL