Martha Jean Deiker Middleton, 97, passed away peacefully on October 9th, 2022.  Jean was born in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1925, the only daughter of Robert Joseph Burkholder and Margaret Eloise Scott.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers Robert, Edward, James, Lawrence and sister-in-law Nancy Burkholder.  Jean was also preceded in death by husbands Harold Deiker and Lyle Middleton, grandson John Deiker, son-in-law Richard Webster and grand-son-in- law Preston Dial.

Jean is survived by her son Michael Deiker and wife Cathie and her daughter Pam Webster.  Her surviving grandchildren include Traci (Webster) Dial and children Max and Emma, Amy (Deiker) and Joe Hennessy and children Liam and Elizabeth, Alec and Cheryl Webster and children Craig, Sydney and Taylor Mefford, Erick and Amy Webster and daughter Alyssa.  Jean was also an aunt to nieces Cindy West and Angela Griffis and nephews Mark, David, Clay, Gary and Mike Burkholder.  She is also survived by sister-in-laws Jean Burkholder and Ing Burkholder.

Jean’s passions in life were her faith, her family and exploring the world through travel.  She was a faithful member at Schweitzer Church for many decades, serving on numerous committees and contributing wherever she was needed.  She was a pillar of support for her children and grandchildren from endlessly typing college papers on an old manual typewriter to packing for camping trips. Notes of encouragement and treat boxes will always be remembered as well as her unfailing attendance at performances and games. Jean made sure every holiday was celebrated and every family tradition and recipe was followed. She was known for her “Colossal” cookies and cinnamon rolls.  Jean loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad and was an expert at planning down to the smallest detail. She faced life’s blessings and challenges with grace and dignity and her beautiful, radiant smile will always be remembered by family and friends alike.

We would like to thank our Schweitzer family, the Fremont, and Integrity Hospice for their love and support.  As per Jean’s request a family graveside service will be held at a later date at Springfield National Cemetery where she will be buried alongside her husband, Harold Deiker.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Greenlawn East.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Convoy of Hope.