Dianna "Deena" Joyce (Altom) Bates

Dianna “Deena” Altom Bates, 75, of Monticello, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born in Pangburn, AR, on October 5, 1949, to her parents, Audrey and Florence McLester Altom.

After cosmetology school in Wichita, Dianna worked in a local salon before settling in Monticello. In 1975, she and her sister-in-law, Jan, opened The Hair Pen Beauty Salon, where she worked passionately until her health declined in 2011. She also brought beauty and comfort to nursing home residents and shut-ins, cherishing her customers as much as they adored her.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Monticello, Dianna’s faith was unwavering. She was also a proud and active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for forty-five years, holding every office at some point, earning multiple "Woman of the Year" honors, and even serving as a former sorority queen. Her sorority sisters were her extended family, and she treasured the deep bonds they shared.

Beyond her professional and social life, Dianna had many passions. She found joy in flower gardening, particularly in tending to her beloved roses. She loved reading Amish books, solving word search puzzles, and was a skilled seamstress—so talented that she even made her own wedding dress. 

A true fighter, Dianna faced life’s challenges with grace, never questioning God’s plan, but instead inspiring those around her with her courage, perseverance, and faith.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by an infant brother; one brother in-law, Phillip Beall; and her grandparents, Herman R. and Susie Altom, Oran E. and Cora McLester, and Cora’s second husband, Tom Moore.

She leaves behind her loving husband of forty years and devoted caregiver, Dale Bates of Monticello; two brothers, Edwin R. Altom (Janet) of Owassa, OK, and John W. Altom (Beverly) of Ozark, MO; and three sisters, Linda M. Beall of Conway, AR, Nancy L. Mikus (Peter) of Loudon, TN, and Brenda S. Loper (Chuck) of Wichita, KS; along with 14 nieces and nephews whom she adored; numerous great nieces and nephews; and three beloved fur sons, “Zachary Socks”, “Sneakers Leaky”, and “Ivan LaRue”.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 27th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1324 Hwy 278 W, in Monticello, with Rev. David Barnes, Carl Bacon, Chris Barnett, and Rev. Nathan Altom, officiating.  Pallbearers are Kurt Tate, Glenn Tate, Ivan Houston, Matt Hudgens, Bobby Faulkner, Phillip Herring, and Buddy Devine.  Honorary pallbearers are Eli T. Burney, Cary Marshall, Dale Avery, Brent Smith, Larry Scogin, Dr. Tim Simon, Dr. John Robinett, Dr. James Campbell, and Buddy Barnett.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

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