Deeana Lee Kays "Diane", peacefully passed away at the age of 83 on May 28th, 2025, with her family by her side.
Deeana was born to Herbert and Naomi(Harris) Dillard on September 25, 1941, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She attended Westport High School, graduating in 1961. She later enlisted in the United States Army, where she proudly served as a Cook and later a Chaplain's Assistant from 1975 to 1979. Returning to civilian life, Deeana attended Park University, where she graduated in 1985 with a Bachelors Degree. After finishing college Deeana worked at Munson Army Hospital, where she retired in 1992.
Throughout her life, Deeana had a vibrant and joyful heart. She loved to travel and would often share stories of her time living in Germany. She loved all kinds of music, especially Jazz & Soul music. She enjoyed playing bingo, a strong cup of coffee, a good Chinese restaurant and the occasional slot machine. Deeana never met a stranger she could not strike up a conversation with. In her later years, she even met longtime friends in chat groups on social media. Being "up on Facebook" was one of her favorite things, and all her comments to family over the years are a comfort to see now that she is gone. In Deeana's life, she was devoted to her church, family and those she loved.
Deeana is survived by her three daughters. Shannon (Louis) Burton of Independence, Missouri Rachael(Jeffrey) Piche of Easton, Kansas and Patricia (Dan) Coleman of Linn Valley, KS. She was blessed and proud to have fourteen grandchildren. Amanda (Robert) Hastings, Joseph Groat, Rebecca Groat, Holly (Rhiannon) Burton. SSgt.Noah(Alexandria) Tattershall, Gabrielle Piche, Jordan Piche, Grace Piche. Jeffrey Hamilton, Nathan Hamilton, Rachelle Hamilton, Autumn (Evan) Coleman-Marconett, Caleb Coleman and Hannah Coleman; and eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Deeana is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale Kays and her grandson Jonah Piche.
The celebration of life will take place at the Davis Funeral Chapel from 8:30-10:30 am on June 5th, 2025. Following the service, burial is at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth Kansas.
Deeana will be greatly missed and is loved by many. She will be remembered as saying, "I did it my way." -Frank Sinatra
Memorial contributions may be given to the Leavenworth Council on Aging or the Warrensburg Veterans Home in her memory.
