Donna Dianne Creel, 74, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 11:45 p.m. in her sleep at her home, and in her husband's loving arms.
Dianne was born on a sunny fall day, November 17th, 1948, in Pittsburg, KS, the daughter of Joseph and Lois Reilly. She grew up in Pittsburg and attended Saint Mary's Colgan from kindergarten through her senior year. Dianne graduated with her class in 1966. Dianne was an excellent writer and loved reading and the study of literature. Dianne's writing abilities won her an essay from the Voice of Democracy and the VFW, when she was a junior in high school. She attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Business, Literature, Finance, and Psychology. She earned an Associate's degree in Business and Finance. Dianne, a beautiful girl both inside and outside, was an ambitious young girl and always had a part-time job somewhere. While working at a little cafe at Golf Land in Pittsburg when she was 14, two young boys came in to get a Pepsi-Cola. One of the boys was Michael Creel, they had never known each other. When she was 15, she went to the Tower Ballroom with a bunch of her girlfriends and she happened to see Michael Creel, age 17. They talked a little bit and shared some dances, started dating for several years, and then were married in 1968. They were married for 55 years. Dianne and Michael had 2 children, a son, Scott, and a daughter, Stephanie. Dianne spent most of her time with her family, taking care of them, however, she liked working part-time. Her business career would include the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, the SRS for 10 years, and their family business for 15 years. Dianne always put her children and family first. Dianne was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Her hobbies would include bowling, playing bridge, her friends in Beta Sigma Phi, vacations, traveling, and the great times in Branson, Missouri.
Dianne is survived by her husband, Michael, of the home; a daughter Stephanie (Adam) Newman of Anchorage, Alaska; a son, Scott (Kathryn) Creel of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren, Trinity Grace Thomas, Landon Creel, April Porter, Margaux Porter, Graham Porter; a brother, Mike Reilly of Pittsburg; a sister, Mary Grace Duffendack (Jeff) of Lenexa, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lois Reilly, and a granddaughter, Ava Thomas.
Dianne began having some issues with her memory and such in 2005. Michael started taking her to area doctors and they finally spent a week at the Mayo Clinic. After being diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer's, her memory, her personality, and life skills slowly began to slip and fade away. Except for a short time at a care center, she was able to stay at home with Michael who took care of her, the best place to be.
Funeral services will be on Monday, July 24th, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Brenner Mortuary. Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories, N. Highway 69, Pittsburg, KS. A Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests memorials be given to the Harry Hynes Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary.
"Dianne was my princess!" -Michael
