Sep. 2, 1947 - Jan. 27, 2026
Date of Service: Feb. 3, 2026
BURLEY – Tommie Meherg Dean, a 78-year-old resident of Burley, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Home & Heart Assisted Living in Burley.
Tommie was born on September 22, 1947, in Clanton, Alabama, and was raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Tommie became a lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan, and followed the Tide with unwavering devotion. She was a woman of deep faith putting God above all else, followed by her family, and then without apology, Alabama football.
Above all, Tommie was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved her children more than life itself and poured the same boundless love into her grandchildren. Her grandchildren knew her affectionately as “Nana”.
Later in life, Tommie met and married Don Dean. Don was the true love of her life and the man of her dreams. She cherished him deeply and together they shared a love built on faith, laughter, and companionship. They often said that they were true soul mates.
Tommie’s professional life reflected her deep commitment to caring for others. She began her career as a radiology technician but her greatest priority was always raising her children. Later in life she managed a family-owned clothing store in Burley until she found herself on her own, Tommie made the courageous decision to return to school and pursue a new career path. At the age of 49, she enrolled at Idaho State University and earned a degree in healthcare administration. This achievement led her to a very fulfilling role as a nurse recruiter at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. She took great pride in supporting healthcare professionals and patients alike. After moving back to Burley, Tommie became the director of Pomerelle Place, formerly known as The Warren House, where she then worked until her retirement.
Tommie was deeply passionate about her community along with her faith. She attended the Burley United Methodist Church where she loved singing in the choir. She was also a devoted member of Burley Library Board, and the Idaho Medical Auxiliary. She played an instrumental role in helping pass legislation for child safety seats in Idaho, ensuring that new mothers had access to them when leaving the hospital. In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Tommie was honored to have been appointed to the Commission of the Arts for the state of Idaho.
Tommie was preceded in death by her parents, James Rayburn Meherg and Irene Fowler Meherg; her siblings, Eloise Gregory, James Ray Meherg, and Dan Meherg; her nephew, Gene Sanford; as well as her step-son, Patrick Dean.
Tommie is survived by her loving husband, Donald Dean; her children, Stephen (Megan) Allen, Donna (Regina) Allen, her step daughter, Chellie (Jeff) Sollars; her sister, Johnnie Sanford; grandchildren, Eleanor Allen, Ben Allen, Margot Allen, Archer Sollars, Hudson (Anna) Dean, and Tilly (Elvis) Dean; two great-great grandchildren, Elvis Jr., and Rayne Delacruz. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Janice (Gil) Brown, Butch (Kathy) Gregory, Tracie (Greg) Sassaman, Chrisynda (Jerry) Runion, Fonda Inabinet, Jason (Heather) Meherg, Faith (Mike) Goodman, Grace (Billy) Bush, Andy Sanford, Doug Meherg, and Laura (Josh) Angel. She is also survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition, Tommie is survived by her in-laws that she loved very much, Gordon Gregory, and Sherry Meherg.
Tommie was deeply loved by so many and will be forever missed. In her passing, we feel not only sorrow, but also gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, and for the closeness her love continues to create among us all.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, at Burley United Methodist Church, located at 450 E. 27th St., in Burley, with Pastor Russell Rhodes officiating.
Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, February 2, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.
Tommie loved flowers, and they are welcome at her service for those who wish to send them. For those who prefer, a memorial donation may be made to Home and Heart Assisted Living LLC in Burley where she was lovingly cared for. Linda, who is a dear friend to us and the owner of Home and Heart Assisted Living, was with Tommie in her final moments holding her hand and showering her with love as she peacefully passed form this world to be with her Lord and Savior.
A live webcast of the memorial service will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com.
