Diana J. Reiser

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAST GUESTBOOK SIGNINGSDiana J. Reiser, 71, of Kansas City, MO, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully at St. Lukes Hospice House on July 5, 2015. Diana was born Diana Whitney on October 28, 1943, in Joplin, MO. She was the youngest child of Wayne and Lucille Whitney, and little sister to Richard Whitney. She grew up in Lincoln, NE, and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in 1965. She moved to Kansas City, MO after graduation where she met and married Frank B. Reiser on August 16, 1969. She completed her Masters in Education at UMKC in 1972, shortly after welcoming her daughter, Joan E. Reiser, into the world. Her son, Gregory C. Reiser, followed in 1975. The family were long-time members of St. Peters Catholic Church, where the children attended school, and Diana was often found donating her time and talents. In 1986, Diana completed a Masters in Nursing at the University of Kansas, School of Nursing. She worked at Research Hospital, Menorah Medical Center, and taught nursing at the University of Kansas School of Nursing. She devoted much time to the families and new babies at St. Lukes Hospital for more than 20 years. She retired in 2008 after previously serving for many years as the Director of Inpatient Perinatal Services. Over the years, Diana served on the Board of Editors for the Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN), and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Societies. In 2002, Diana was appointed a charter member of a new multidisciplinary advisory council by the Vermont Oxford Network, an international database for neonatal care. Diana was one of only 13 neonatology experts internationally who comprised the new council. She was nominated for the position by Katherine Chaflin, M.D., a neonatologist at St. Lukes hospital. She assumed her favorite role in 2005 when she became a grandmother to Ella, daughter of Greg and Annemarie Reiser. More blessings followed with grandchildren Jack in 2007, Graham in 2009, and Audrey in 2011. Diana was well known for her beautiful needle-pointing, especially the Christmas stockings that she made for family and close friends. She loved to cook and enjoyed listening to Motown while driving around with the top down on her purple convertible. Diana also enjoyed nature watching with her husband, Frank, on family range-land in Northern NE. An area named Dianas Falls, in her honor, was a particularly favorite spot. Diana was preceded in death by her parents; Wayne and Lucille Whitney. Surviving to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, Frank; daughter, Joanie Reiser; son, Greg (Annemarie) Reiser; her brother, Richard (Elizabeth) Whitney; four delightful grandchildren, Ella, Jack, Graham and Audrey; and her nieces. Also Julie Fugate, who started as a college roommate, but became a beloved sister over the years. Her smile, sense of humor, love of chocolate, and big heart will be missed by all who knew her. Her family could not conclude this celebration of life without thanking the many caregivers who have cared for Diana during her long illness: The staffs of Brookside Adult Day Health Care, St. Lukes Hospital, Life Care Center of Grandview and St. Lukes Hospice House. A visitation with the family will be held from 6-9pm., on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO. A Funeral Mass celebrating Dianas life will be held at 2 pm., on Friday, July 10, 2015 at St. Peters Catholic Church, 6415 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made in honor of Diana to St. Lukes Foundation, 4225 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111 or the University of NE Foundation, College of Nursing, Class of 1965, 2285 South 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68106. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com.