Martha Deanna Hames

Martha Deanna Hames was born March 27, 1947 in Conway, Arkansas to Hugh H. Crandell and Phala B. (Fuller) Crandell. Surrounded by Family, she entered the gates of Heaven on December 31, 2023.

Deanna and Jim married in 1964 in Norman, OK. They raised two wonderful sons, Steve and Adam. Deanna was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norman and belonged to many organizations such as Kairos Prison Ministry, Cursillo Ministry, Golden Agers Club, St. Veronicas Women’s Club, Perpetual Adoration, and helped with St. Joseph’s Thanksgiving and funeral dinners.

Some of her hobbies include cooking, writing, painting, bird watching, bowling, ocean cruising, dancing, and playing piano. She was a music lover and loved her family dearly.

One of Deanna’s proudest moments was when she published a book, titled “Cell 170 Ministering in Prison”. Deanna details her experiences working in the Kairos Prison Ministry with her husband Jim and their call to bring the incarcerated to feel the love our Lord, Jesus Christ has for each and every one of us.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Hugh Crandell, Jr. and Robert Crandell; sisters, Barbra Evert, Jan Hunter and Cathryn Walk.

Deanna is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Jim Hames of Norman, OK; sons, Steve Hames and wife Helen of Norman, Adam Hames and wife Lisa of Norman; grandchildren, Danielle Palmer and husband Jayce, Ashley Hames and fiancé Douglas Mayberry, Cayla Ruminski and husband Bradley, Margaret Ann Starkey and husband Andy; great grandchildren, Peter Palmer, Sydney Lamey, Hannah Starkey, Brittney Tipton; numerous nephews and nieces; and many loved ones.

A prayer vigil will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 4, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 211 N. Porter Ave, Norman. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 5 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.