Deanna Joy Gaines

Deanna was born on January 10th, 1942, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Clayton and Ida Merritt. She graduated from North Central High School in 1960 and married Paul H. Gaines on June 3rd, 1961, in Indianapolis. Together, Deanna and Paul dedicated much of their professional lives to building successful businesses within the community, including Gaines Standard on West 10th Street and Westside Scavenger Service on West Washington Street. Her ambition later led her to pursue a new path in tax services—returning to school and using her skills to support both her family and neighbors.

Deanna found true happiness in the company of others. She and Paul spent many joyful hours at Country Lanes and Clermont Lanes, socializing with friends and bowling in league play every Friday and Sunday. With a heart devoted to caring for all around her, she was known for her warm smile, kind spirit, and love for her family. Deanna’s deep love for her family was the center of her life, always going out of her way to make each person feel special. From festive gatherings to quiet, everyday moments, her joy was found in the simple gift of time spent together. Deanna’s gentle spirit, unforgettable laugh, and kind heart will live on, carried in the memories of all who knew and loved her.

Deanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul H. Gaines; her parents, Clayton and Ida Merritt; and her brother-in-law, Bill Luthe.

She is survived by her daughters, Sheri (Brandon) Leum and Sandra (David) Miller; her sister, Barbara Luthe; and her grandchildren, Austin Leum, Cassidy Leum, Abigail Distler, Troy Distler, Michael Miller, Mason Miller, and Nolan Miller.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m., with procession and graveside service at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250, immediately afterward.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Carmel VFW Post 10003, 12863 Old Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032, upon conclusion of the graveside service.

Flowers and memorials may be sent to Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Please address to “Family of Deanna Joy Gaines.”

A visitation for Deanna will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. A graveside service will occur Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. A gathering of family and friends will occur Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM at VFW of Carmel, 12863 Old Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032.