Emma Deaton

Emma Deaton (née Sebastian), 83, of Crestview Hills, KY, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Jackson, Kentucky, Emma carried the warmth of her Appalachian roots throughout her life, sharing her perpetual smile and sunny disposition with everyone around her.

Emma dedicated much of her life to caring for others, both at home and her work. She spent many years as a housekeeper at the Clarion Hotel before continuing her career with Newport City Schools as a beloved cafeteria server, where she later retired.

Emma had a gift for hospitality and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She loved to cook—her famous peanut butter and chocolate fudge was a favorite treat that everyone looked forward to. Known for her sense of humor and storytelling, she could light up a room with a good joke or tale, always having a good punch line.

In her quiet time, Emma enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching her favorite game shows, and curling up with a good book. But above all, she cherished her family. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her the greatest joy.

One of her most treasured memories was a recent adventure in October, when, for the first time in her life, she flew on a plane and visited the ocean with her family—a moment she absolutely loved.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Deaton; son, Jeffrey Deaton; son-in-law, John Runion; parents, Clifton and Laura Sebastian; siblings: Delmar, Floyd, David, Jerry, Reed and Cliff Sebastian, Ruth Herald, Zeta Arrowood, Lena Herald, Mary Pratt and Faye Combs; Howard Beck; Frances Lewis.

Emma leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her devoted daughters, Rhonda Gail Runion and Lisa Yvonne (Doug) King; grandchildren: Tabitha (Gerald) Larkin, Stacey (Chris) Cherry, Cortney (Wesley) Dugger, Krystin King, Zachary King; great-grandchildren: Kyle and Dominic Larkin, Christopher Cherry, Kingslee and Tyler Dugger; Lindsey (Josh) Aranyos and her 3 children; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of service, 12:00 PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes, 30 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018. Pallbearers: Zachary King, Kyle Larkin, Christopher Cherry, Dominic Larkin, Chris Cherry, and Wesley Dugger. Emma will be laid to rest with her husband in Evergreen Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com