Irisdean “Deanie” Carlton, 78, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Deanie was born on February 18, 1948, and raised in Blue Springs, Missouri. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dwight Carlton, on May 5, 1969. She was baptized on February 10, 1980, a meaningful milestone in her spiritual journey.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dwight Carlton; her son, Leon (Stacie) Carlton; and her daughter, Tonya Freeman. She was a proud grandmother to John Michael (Kenzie) Travers, Josie (Donavan) Carter, Nate Carlton, Noah Carlton, and Foster Carlton, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jaxon, Quincy, Teagan, Kobi, and Dru.
Deanie was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Albert and Clara Katherine Dickinson, her biological mother Ethel Kosharek, her sister Jo Todd, her brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Mona Dickinson, and her beloved son, Brandon Carlton.
Deanie worked at Sears, Interstate Book Manufacturing, and Lake City. Through childhood, work, and family she was blessed with friendships that continued throughout her life—true, lasting friendships built on loyalty, love, and genuine care for one another.
Deanie’s life was also marked by a deeply meaningful and joyful reunion in the early 1990’s, when, after much determination and heartfelt effort, she found her biological mother and sister. This was a moment she had long hoped for, and it brought her immense happiness and a sense of completeness. Although her mother had passed, she treasured the connection she was able to build with her sister.
Deanie found great joy in tending to her vegetable garden, where she spent countless peaceful hours nurturing and growing. She also had a deep love for fishing, a passion she discovered alongside her father and carried with her throughout her life. She especially loved welcoming others into her home, where no one ever left hungry—feeding family and friends was one of the many ways she showed her love.
Above all, Deanie will be remembered for her love of family, her generous heart, and the simple joys that brought her happiness. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished so deeply.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:1, 6
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600