Deanna McCoy

Deanna Jean McCoy (Marks), 84, of Boise, Idaho, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, following a courageous, long battle with cancer.

Deanna was born on October 3, 1942, in Boise, Idaho, to James Aaron and Pearl (O’Neil) Marks, the beloved third child of their family. From an early age, Deanna was gifted with an extraordinary singing voice. Throughout junior high and high school, she shared her gift through various choirs and as a member of the Choralettes.

In her senior year, her musical talent earned her a scholarship to a summer music camp, where she was honored with one of only two Stand-out Singer awards presented by the University of Idaho–Moscow. She graduated from Borah High School in 1960.

On May 31, 1960, Deanna married Jerry Lee Ellis in Boise, officiated by Cecil Gilmore. Together they were blessed with five children: Terri Angela, Nadine Renee, Tracy Lynn, and twins Charles Lee and James Lee. Deanna and Jerry later divorced in1975.

Deanna later worked as a secretary at Willis Shaw Trucking, where she met the love of her life, Ronald Lawrence McCoy. They were united in marriage in October 1977, also officiated by Cecil Gilmore, and welcomed their daughter, Mary Kathryn, in September 1979. Deanna and Ron shared 21 wonderful years together before Ron returned to his heavenly home.

Professionally, Deanna served her community for many years as a dedicated Tax Examiner at the Idaho State Tax Commission until her retirement.

Deanna possessed a deep love for the Idaho outdoors and spent as much time camping as humanly possible, especially at favorite retreats like Grimes Creek, Cascade, and Fort Running Bear (Little Camas). A woman of immense artistic talent, she brought joy to countless celebrations with her beautifully crafted wedding cakes and creative, fun birthday cakes.

Her passion extended to oil and acrylic painting, often capturing the serene landscapes of the places she camped and explored. Her artwork remains a treasured gift and enduring memento in the homes of many loved ones.

Family and Legacy

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, James and Pearl Marks; her beloved husband, Ronald Lawrence McCoy; her daughter, Tracy Lynn Ellis; and her siblings, Larry Marks, Patricia Marks, Thomas Marks, and Carol Marks.

Remaining to cherish Deanna’s memory are her sisters, Patricia Skeen, Geneva (Gerald) Cecil, and Sharon (Mark) Moran; and her children, Terri (Patrick) Johnson, Nadine (Brent) Knight, Charles (Sonja) Ellis, James (Peggy) Ellis, and Kate (Nick) Ragsdale. Her beautiful legacy also lives on through her 16 grandchildren and her growing number of great-grandchildren.