Deone Pedersen was born August 21, 1953 in Hampton, Iowa to Howard and Wilma Pedersen. Deone grew up in Hampton, Iowa. She completed her high school education from Hampton Community High School in 1971. Being raised in a family with strong ties and belief in Ellsworth Community College, Deone attended Ellsworth from 1971 – 1973 and achieved her AA. Her sister Diane 1968-1970 and brother David 1970-1972 attended ECC as well. Their positive college experience was a great influence on Deone for continuing her education. From ECC Deone transferred to University of Iowa to earn her BA in Liberal Arts in 1986 and then her MBA in 1990.Deone was also employed at U of I while continuing her education. Deone was a U of I employee for 38 years. Deone’s hobbies and interests were attending University of Iowa Women’s Basketball games, Men’s Basketball game and Football games. She appeared in many community theater plays and musicals and singing in Metromix Chorus. She was an avid collector of Nancy Drew books. Deone enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as traveling abroad. Deone passed away January 9, 2020 from ALS.