Diana Joyce Cruse Lee

Diana Joyce Cruse Lee passed away peacefully with family by her side January 19, 2018, at Brookdale of Overland Park. Diana was born November 20, 1933, in Abilene, Kansas, to Charles and Maurine Morley Cruse. She always had fond memories of growing up in Abilene where she was active in high school activities that included theater and choir. Diana attended the University of Kansas and was a member of Alpha Phi. She received her bachelor of arts degree in Art Education. Her first teaching job was obtained in Paola, Kansas, where she taught art. She established many life-long friendships with teachers and students during that time. After several years of teaching in Paola, a blind date was arranged with a young attorney in town, Edwin Lee. Their first date was to a women’s exhibition basketball game at the local high school. After the game they visited until 3:00 in the morning, and Ed became the love of her life. Diana and Ed were united in marriage on June 28, 1958, in Abilene, Kansas. They raised four children. Diana loved Paola and the people. She was an active volunteer in the community through a variety of organizations. She was a member of P.E.O., Daughters of the American Revolution (she was the organizing regent of the Miami County chapter), and Shamrock Club. At the First Presbyterian Church in Paola she was a choir member, Sunday school teacher, circle leader, Deacon and Elder. In recent years Diana was an affiliate member of Village Presbyterian Church. Other genealogical organization memberships included the Huguenot Society, Daughters of American Colonists, Magna Carta Dames, and the Society of Daughters of Colonial Wars in Kansas. Her hobbies included gardening, travel, genealogy, going to movies, visiting museums, going out to eat, all things artistic and most importantly - spending time with family and friends. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, Charles David Cruse; mother, Maurine Morley Cruse; husband, Edwin Arthur Lee; son, Andrew Jackson Lee; sister, Gloria Cruse Shetter; and daughter-in-law, Sherrena Parker Lee. Diana is survived by her children, David Lee, Samantha Sturgeon (John), and Peter Lee (Jennifer), and her grandchildren, Scott Sturgeon, Hannah Sturgeon, Patrick Lee, Brian Lee, Madeline Sturgeon, Kevin Lee, Jack Sturgeon, Graham Lee and Ian Lee. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg, KS. A Celebration of Life service will be 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at in the chapel of Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Paola, Village Presbyterian Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Clare Bridge of Overland Park and Crossroads Hospice for their care of Diana.