Christine Dean, 78, of Falls City, Nebraska, died Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2015, surrounded by her family, at Falls City Nursing & Rehabilitation.

Christine was born at Cedar Glade. Arkansas, one of seven children born to Edward and Sadie Breshers Housley.  She grew up in Arkansas where she attended school, prior to the family moving in the 1950’s to Indio, California where she graduated high school.  Christine was the first women police officer in the State of California, and in later years, in the state of Kansas.  She spent most of her working life as a cook at Nokomis Restaurant, Oak Ridge Acres Nursing Home, Maple Heights Nursing Home, all of Hiawatha.  Christine also worked at Flair Fold Shutter Plant for a time.

Christine enjoyed doing crafts, and was self taught at canvas oil painting.

She married Orville Dean, November 11, 1955, at Quartsite, Arizona. They moved to St. Joseph, Missouri to live and work until 1962 when they returned to California for a short time.  They returned to this area in 1963, settled in Hiawatha where they lived most of their married life and raised their family.  In 2004, they moved to Falls City, Nebraska to make their home.  Orville, their son Terry, survive of the home.

Also surviving are a daughter Debbie Holloway of Falls City; sons: Terry Dean, Jerry Dean of St. Joseph, Missouri; a brother Billy, two sisters:  Betty Sue and Wanda, all of California; six grandchildren; with eleven great-grandchildren.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Virgil, two sisters: Lucille and Arine.

It was Christine’s wish to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service planned for 7 p.m. Friday, September 25, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Private family inurnment will be at a later date at Hamlin Cemetery

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services Friday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Foundation which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com