DIANE KAY (LORENZ) ELLIBEE
November 29, 1950 ~ January 27, 2018
" Diane had a magic about her that could captivate
a room. In her presence, all eyes would turn her way. Everyone who met her, fell in love."
On a fall day in 1950, a beautiful daughter, Diane Kay, was born to Kenny and Mary (Ostenson) Lorenz (deceased). She was a forth generation resident of Camas, WA. Regretfully, Diane passed away at home with her daughter, Jessica, on Jan. 27, 2018, in Ellensburg, WA. She graduated from Camas High School in 1969. True to her spirit, she was Pep Queen of the rally squad.
She continued her education at the U of W and later went to graduate from business school in Portland, OR.
She married Gery Ellibee, her high school sweetheart, in December of 1970 and together they had two children, Brett Ellibee and Jessica Ellibee, the treasures of her life.
During their marriage, she worked for Spokane and then Salem School Districts while Gery finished his college degrees. Later, when she became a single woman again, she moved back to Camas and worked for Nabisco, from which she retired.
She was a perfectionist to detail and excelled in everything she did. Diane was a softball mom who spent endless hours cheering on her daughter and beloved friends. She volunteered her time fundraising to support the team "the Breeze" of Camas. Diane loved boating on the Columbia River and sunbathing on Ackerman Island with her children, sister, niece, nephews and friends and she made each gathering more fun.
Diane was a genuine person who would talk to you about anything. She had a passion for supporting the underprivileged and was a strong advocate for women.
After retiring, she moved south and became a California girl. Diane enjoyed cruising and traveling to Mexico with her sister, brother-in-law and close friend, Virgil Havener of CA. In the summer of 2016, she returned to WA to be close to her children and grandson.
Her memory will live on through her survivors: son, Brett Ellibee and Jennifer Arionus of Vancouver, WA; grandson, Zachery Ellibee of Portland, OR and Brenna Hunter (mother to Zach), also of Portland; daughter, Jessica Ellibee and AJ Arreola of Ellensburg, WA; sister, Sherry and Tony Lorenz-Hunt Jr. of Washougal, WA; sister, Laurie and Patrick Havener of Camas, WA; Gery Ellibee of Salem, OR; and her niece and nephews, Nichola, Michael, Robert Havener and Kenny Hunt. Her kind spirit and funny wit is deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Camas at a later date.
Donations may be made to NHSA.org the National Head Start Association.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valerie
February 18, 2018
Will always remember summers with Diane and friends. A beautiful girl with a wonderful heart.
John Boettcher
February 11, 2018
My summer memories will always include fond memories of Diane ...her family...cousins..and friends. God Bless
John Boettcher
February 10, 2018
I will miss u dearly Diane and will always remember the fun times we shared together. You were a wonderful woman and will be missed by many.
Carrie Kor
February 8, 2018
Toni
February 6, 2018
I remember Diane as one of my most delightful students in high school. She was so beautiful and so very unassuming. She was a gift to all who knew her.
Monte Birdsell-Bogdon
February 4, 2018
Will always remember her as a ray of sunshine and happiness, kindness and love.
Valerie McGeachy
February 4, 2018
Laurie,
My deepest condolences for your tragic loss. I was and still am in shock. Even though I had not seen Diane in so many years, I always had a great fondness and respect for her. She was such a lovely human being. My thoughts and prayers are of you and your family at this terribly difficult time. I'm so sorry you lost what I think was probably your best friend. May God give you and your family great comfort and allow you to remember only the good times.
Linda Cervetto (Sunriver,, OR)
Linda Cervetto
February 4, 2018
Lady Di, Sissy......Thanks for yur sincere love, and the memories of our huntin trips, campin, boatin, cruisin, bein goofy, etc. The memories will be with me forever. Love you sweet girl
We will be goofy together again...
Sharon Newberry Martell
February 4, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sam Autry
February 4, 2018
I had a wonderful childhood and part of that was because of you....... we spent so much time together at your house by the Dairy Queen then you became my neighbor- I was a happy girl! Our families were very close and I felt like part of your family. You will always be in my heart. You are loved and will be missed. Thanks for the memories!
Mary jane Toolson
February 4, 2018
So sorry about this. Thinking of everyone.
Brad & Belva Ostenson
February 4, 2018
My fondest memory of Diane was her compassion and her beautiful smile that would radiate from her eyes! She was truly genuine! You will be missed precious lady!
Cindi (Williams) Carpenter
February 4, 2018
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