Dianne Lee Barker

Born October 1, 1947 in Pekin to Arthur “Bud” and Donna (Chitwood) Patterson, she married Larry Wayne Barker on May 9, 1987 in Pekin. He died February 6, 2023 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Brent Lee Flairty; one great-grandson, Reid Patterson and one sister, Crystal “Cris” Koehlhoeffer.

Surviving are two sons, Kip (Jane) Patterson and Klint (Tiffanie) Flairty, both of Manito; one daughter, Jennifer (Lance) Breeding of Pensacola, Florida; six grandchildren, Kylie (Theresa) Valencia, Ryan (Natalie) Patterson, Jaxson Flairty, Elise Flairty, Baylor (Matt) Tornquist and Chase Breeding; one great-granddaughter, Maeve Patterson and twin great-granddaughters due soon.

A 1965 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Dianne later graduated from Illinois Central College in East Peoria with her nursing degree.

Dianne was a Registered Nurse at Pekin Hospital and then at the Tazewell County Health Department, retiring in 2009.

She loved time spent with her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking and travel, especially to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Dianne loved being at the beach.

A gathering celebrating Dianne's life will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Pekin Moose Lodge 916. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com