Holly Dean

Holly Dean, age 40, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on December 10, 2025. Born on April 26, 1985, Holly was a bright and beautiful baby whose life changed after suffering an almost fatal fever at just four and a half months old. The illness left her disabled and nonverbal, but Holly expressed herself in her own gentle ways, through smiles, her laughter, and the light in her eyes when her family was near.

Holly spent her life her life surrounded by love and devoted care. Though she faced many challenges, she inspired everyone who knew her with her strength.

She is preceded in death by her father, Sherman Howland Sr., her grandparents, Sonny Houser and Ruth & Luther Dean, and her stepmom, Mary Dean.

She is survived by her loving parents, Kim Howland, Bob Harris and Danny Dean Sr., her siblings, Jason and Cicilia Houser, Danny and Carissa Dean, Sherman Howland Jr., Sara and Zach Utt, and Dusty Dean, her grandmother, Elizabeth Houser, as well as many loving relatives and friends.  Holly will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love her.

Holly's family invites you to a visitation and funeral service at the Porter-Tidd Funeral home, 331 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, 43143. Her visitation will be held on Monday, December 15th, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM.  The funeral service will be held the following day, on Tuesday, December 16th, at 12:00PM.  Following the service, we will go in procession to Pleasant Cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to help cover the cost of funeral expenses.