Deana M. Asher

Deana Marie Asher passed away unexpectedly after a rapid decline in her health. In the days before her passing, her body was struggling, and she was taken to the hospital, where her condition worsened quickly. Despite every effort, her body could not recover.

Deana was born on May 28, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away on February 4, 2026, at Methodist Hospital. She was raised in Indianola, Iowa, where she graduated from high school, formed lifelong friendships, and built memories that stayed with her throughout her life. Summers often unfolded in southern Warren County spent on her paternal grandparents’ farm surrounded by outdoor adventures, open fields, and a menagerie of animals; or gathered with her maternal grandparents for the Fourth of July parade in Milo and camping trips. All times filled with laughter, closeness, and fun alongside cousins who were her first friends.

Deana lived with a deep emotional life and carried grief that shaped her in lasting ways, especially after the loss of her oldest son, Morgan. She moved through the world with instinct and awareness, shaped by experience rather than ease. There were parts of her that were perceptive and resilient, and parts that were quietly burdened, often at the same time.

She loved her family deeply. That love remained through all seasons, even when closeness was difficult or words were hard to find. Her life held tenderness and struggle side by side, and she was fully human in all of it.

Deana is survived by her husband, Andrew Asher; her mother, Kathleen Miller; her father, Michael Shields; her son, Keaton Armstrong; and her grandsons, Zion Weeks and Gavin Konz. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Kaitlyn LePera and Abigayle LePera; her sister, Layna Shields; her brother-in-law, Ray McDole; her nieces, Kion and Paisley McDole; her nephew, Wylder McDole; her in-laws, Charles and Kathy Asher; and her beloved dog, Mylo, who was a constant and trusted companion.

She was preceded in death by her son, Morgan Shields; her grandparents, William and Alice Miller and Bill and Shirley Shields; her aunt, Debbie Van Heeswyk; her uncles, Don Miller, Chuck Tiedemann, Jim Thomas, and Ed Seuferer; and her cousins, Eric Van Heeswyk and Remi Palmquist.

Deana’s life, will continue to be carried forward in the memories and hearts of those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Deana’s memory may consider supporting addiction recovery services, mental health resources, or simply extending compassion to someone who is struggling.

There will be a private celebration of life at a later date for family and close friends.

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