DeAnn Lalla

DeAnn Morris Lalla, born February 1, 1965, to Earl (Ike) and Phyllis Morris, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 peacefully at her home following a courageous battle with bile duct cancer.

Raised in Lockport, Illinois, DeAnn graduated from Lockport High School in 1983. Shortly after, she moved to Florida with three close friends, beginning a journey that led her to form lifelong bonds wherever she went. In time, she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Lalla, and the two were married in September 1995.

DeAnn embraced her role as stepmother to Nicole and, together with Bob, welcomed two daughters, Jacqueline and Felicia. She found joy in volunteering with her local churches whenever possible, and she lived her faith through a life of service and caregiving, truly becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, Noah, Olivia, and Lilianna, with whom she shared her warmth, guidance, and love.

In her later years, DeAnn spent time in Utah with her sister Erika before returning home to Illinois to be close to her daughters during the final months of her life.

DeAnn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, in 2005; her mother, Phyllis, in 2024; and her brother, Brian, in 2025. She is survived by her father, Earl; her brothers Allen (Rose) and Cary (Chris); her sister Erika (Lance Dickinson); her sister-in-law Donna; her daughters, Nicole, Jacqueline, and Felicia; her treasured grandchildren; and her dear soul-sister of 42 years, Jo Randolph, with whom she shared life’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Numerous nieces and nephews also carry forward her memory.

DeAnn will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, and her devotion to family and friends. Her legacy of love and care lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of life will be held for DeAnn at Marseilles Church of the Nazarene, 1292 Morris Road, Marseilles, IL 61341, on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm.