Mrs. Donna Denise “Dee Dee” Hubbard (Houston), 69, of Knoxville, Illinois, died peacefully at her home on Friday, March 20, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1956.
Dee Dee was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn Houston; her stepmother, Pat Houston; her brother-in-law, Gil Coon; and her four-legged walking buddy, Daisy.
She is survived by her father, Terry Houston of Knoxville; her loving husband, Neal Hubbard; her children, Amy (Tony) Wyman of Galesburg, Illinois, Stacy (Mark) Kavanagh of Knoxville, Sean Hubbard of Sterling, Illinois, and Shane (Maggie) Hubbard of Wataga, Illinois; many cherished grandchildren, including Haley (Tyler) Brackett, Hayden Kelso, Lauren Kavanagh, Dr. Kelsey Wyman, Brooklyn Hubbard, Ally Kavanagh, Brayden Hubbard, Brody Hubbard, and Easton Hubbard. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Laikynn, Charlee, and Freya, along with her siblings Pam Coon (late Gil Coon), Jeff (Tammie) Houston, Tami Hinkle, Mike (Amy) Houston, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dee Dee retired in 2021 from POMPS, formerly known as Firestone and Tire Marketing.
She will be remembered for loving her family fiercely and always showing up — whether it was for her customers, her grandchildren’s events, or anyone who needed her. As the oldest of five, she naturally took on the role of caretaker, creating deep bonds with her siblings, especially through their many side-by-side trips together. After retirement, she found joy in baking with her beloved Laiky, spending time in her garden, hosting summer pool parties with family and friends where somehow on any given Sunday afternoon she could “travel” from Idaho to Florida without ever leaving the water, just soaking up the sun and making memories with everyone she loved, and volunteering with The Salvation Army Social Services.
Dee Dee will forever be remembered as the matriarch of her family — the glue that held everyone together.
In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later time. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
