Born January 25th 1954, Diana Christine Whalen, age 71, passed away in her sleep on the morning of March 17th, 2025.Cris, as she was affectionately known, was welcomed by Albert “Jack” and Helen Shields.
She grew up in Kansas City and Lee's Summit, MO. Cris graduated from Lee's Summit High School in 1972 where she enjoyed choir and band. She had an amazing singing voice and would sing in church and at weddings. She also enjoyed going to Letterman and Oak Ridge Boys concerts. She was on a first name basis with many of the members.
Cris married the love of her life, Rodney Whalen in 1984. She was a die hard Royals fan and passed that passion on to her two children. She spent the last several years living at the family farm outside Trenton, MO hunting, fishing and quilting.
Cris is preceded in death by her parents Albert “Jack" Shields and Helen Shields.
She is survived by her husband Rod Whalen, her two children Justin Thomas(Rebecca Thomas) of Freeman, MO and Sara Brouse (Ryan Tackeberry) of Platte City, MO, brother Ralph Shields and 7 grand kids Christine Thomas, Weston Thomas, Nathaniel Thomas, Evan Thomas all of Freeman, MO, Mason Brouse, Evette Brouse and Jackson Tackeberry of Platte City, MO. She also leaves extended family Brenda Morris, Russell, Angela and Thea Morris whom she considered as her own.
Visitation will be held at Rollins Funeral Home in Platte City next Tuesday March 25 from 5pm to 6pm with Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6pm. Arrangements By: Rollins Funeral Home—Platte City, MO.