Diane Kay Kelley

Diane Kay Kelley, 56, of Independence, Missouri, passed away at Kansas City Hospice House on July 18, 2014. Diane was born in Independence, Missouri on June 25, 1958 to Clifford L. and Alma I. (Kinzel) Kelley. She attended Truman High School before moving to DeBeque, Colorado for a short time, and graduating from DeBeque High School in 1976. Upon returning to Independence, she worked at Kansas City Life Insurance, and then Hallmark Cards for 34 years, retiring in April 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Larry Kelley, and one niece Megan Kelley. She is survived by brothers Mike (Marilyn) Kelley of Liberty, MO, and Fred Kelley of Lake Waukomis, MO, and sisters-in-law Betty Kelley of Lathrop, MO, and Carol Kelley of Independence, MO. She is also survived by nephews: Chris Kelley of Liberty, MO, Kyle (Megan) Kelley of Columbia, MO, Craig Kelley of Kansas City, MO, Daniel (Genessa) Kelley of Polo, MO, Brendan (Katie) Kelley of Osage Beach, MO, and Drew Kelley of Independence, MO; and niece Ashley (Eric) Sharp of Excelsior Springs, MO. She also leaves behind several great nieces and nephews.

Diane had a kind, loving heart and was very involved with family. She was always at family events, often with gifts for the younger ones in the family. Since the time she was little, she always had a cat and showed an interest in helping animals. She had many different felines throughout her life with the latest being a three year old named Tuffy, which she rescued. When she wasn’t working, spending time with family, or playing with Tuffy, she was catching the latest movie or traveling to see her favorite musicians live in concert, especially Bon Jovi and Duran Duran.

There will be a celebration of Diane’s life from 1-3pm, Sunday, August 3, 2014, at Floral Hills. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 6811 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee Mission, KS, 66202, or Wayside Waifs 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City MO 64137. Additionally, Diane’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the employees of Hallmark Cards, KU Medical Center and Kansas City Hospice House for their care and support during Diane’s illness. Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO, (816) 353-1218.