Diana L. Dolezilek, a member of the Holton community, passed away on June 26, 2023, at a hospital in Kansas City at the age of 71.
Born on May 24, 1952, in Onaga to Rey E. and Patricia A. Cassity Morford, Diana was raised in the rural Delia area. She attended High Prairie Country School and Delia Grade School before graduating from Rossville High School in 1970. Diana later earned a degree in horticulture from Kaw Area Vo-Tech in Topeka.
A devoted wife and mother, family was always the most important aspect of Diana's life. She could often be found cheering on her children at their various activities and took great pride that all three of them graduated from college. She was incredibly creative, and used her many talents to show that devotion to her family. She would transform even the most ordinary materials into keepsakes for them all to treasure, including making memory quilts and other sewing and craft projects.
Diana spent her career first working at Shelter Insurance before dedicating herself to her role as a Para-Professional at Colorado Elementary School in Holton for over twenty years, where she helped nurture kindergarten students before retiring.
Diana was an active member of Moravan Lodge No. 128, also known as the Bohemian Hall, and dedicated much of her time to baking kolaches to donate and working on projects to improve the grounds. She was also a part of the Rossville Alumni Association Scholarship Foundation where she served as Vice President for many years, as well as being involved with the Holton Jaycee-Jaynes and had served as president. Diana also dedicated her time to the Jackson County 4-H program for many years, especially while her children were involved, always helping them with the many projects they were working on. Diana lived a moral life that inspired others around her through her example and her service.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, David and William.
Diana married Robert Dolezilek in January of 1971 in Rossville. They lived in Holton since 1975, where Robert survives.
Diana also leaves behind her three children: Chris (Kathleen Heaney) Dolezilek and Shawn (Julie) Dolezilek, both of Topeka, and Julie Cordero of Kansas City, MO. Further surviving relatives include a brother, Arthur Morford of Topeka; sisters, Deborah (Richard) Beasterfeld of Maple Hill and Jean Holt of Holton; sister-in-law, Nancy Morford of St. Marys; and a grandson, Gavin Christopher.
Funeral services for Diana will be held on July 1, 2023 at Piper Funeral Home at 2:00 P.M. Diana will lie in state from 1:00 until service time. Burial will follow the service at Czech Moravan Cemetery in Rossville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Moravan Lodge No. 128 or Hope Lodge - an organization run by the American Cancer Society providing lodging and transportation for those receiving treatment for cancer and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home.
