Irona Dean

Irona Bishop Dean, 90, died at her home in Alexandria Kentucky on June 17, 2026 with her family by her side. She was born September 4, 1935 at Road Run (Clay County), Kentucky to the late Senator Fred Felty Bishop and Lillie Roberts Bishop, and was the oldest of eight children. She was married to Burlis C. Dean on August 23, 1958 at Newport, Kentucky and remained married until his death.

In addition to her husband; she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a sister and two nephews. She is survived by her children: Sharon Hollen (Roy), Deborah Pape (Jim McClanahan), Bob Dean (Barbara), and Jan Elaine Watson (Roy). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kelly Spencer (Matt), Steven Hollen (Shelley), Joyce Montgomery (Josh), Jennifer Calvert (Bo), Jason Dean and Kathie Smith (Eric). In addition, she is survived by sixteen (16) great grandchildren, eight (8) great-great grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews and friends who loved her greatly. Her family members were blessed to spend time with her during her illness.

Ms. Dean started to school at age four, tagging along with her father who was an educator. After grade school, she attended high school at Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, Kentucky. She then left her childhood home to relocate in Cincinnati, Ohio. After the birth of her first two daughters, she was employed by NuTone Company where she continued to work in the electronic division for 39 years until retirement.

Ms. Dean was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Alexandria, Kentucky and a devoted servant to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In addition to her devotion to her immediate family, she often played more of a mother role to her siblings as well. She was always there for her family when they needed her. She was a 60-year member of The Order of the Eastern Star, first serving in the Owensville, OH Chapter #370 and then the Covington, KY Rose Bud Chapter # 39.

Her children would like to thank family members, her church family, her Eastern Star family, and staff of Blue Grass Hospice of Kentucky for all their assistance and kindness during the time of need for their mother. 

Visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Wednesday, June 24, there will be a continued visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a Funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. and interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.