It is with great sadness that the family of Diane Dewey Davis announces that on January 25, 2021, she was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Diane, known by many as Dee Dee, was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend to many. Diane was born to Earl Kent and Lelia Dewey in Ponca City Oklahoma on October 28th, 1946. She grew up in Ponca City as the oldest of four daughters, and, along with her three sisters, Lilibet, Laurie, and Annie, she attended and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1964. After marrying and moving to St. Louis, as led by her caring personality and her warm heart, Diane devoted herself to raising her three children John, Andrew, and Julie.
Diane’s great passion for children extended beyond just her own children, as after her own children were grown, she began a career in child education and caregiving. She served as a preschool director, early childhood teacher, and caregiver, letting her love for children and her caring spirit guide her in helping numerous children learn, grow, and enjoy childhood happiness. After many years of sharing her passion, she retired in 2008 to spend time with her own family and grandchildren.
Diane married Fred Davis in 1993, and after both retired from their professions, the two spend their retirement enjoying listening to jazz music, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, boating, and enjoying time with their families. One example of several of these passions coming together was each year when Fred and Diane enjoyed hosting their combined families to a family reunion at Lake of the Ozarks on their cruiser, where laughter and good times were had by all.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents Earl Kent Dewey Jr. and Lelia Louise Yerxa Dewey; her husband Fred Davis; and her son John Dewey Strebler. She is survived by her siblings Lilibet Dewey, Laurie Landrum, and Annie Ham; her son Andrew Strebler, Andrew’s wife Noelle, as well as her grandchildren Abigail Strebler, Drew Strebler, Alyssa Boyce, Alyssa’s husband Mike Boyce, and her great grandchildren Braelyn and Brantley; and her daughter, Julie Strebler Burgdorf, Julie’s husband Josh Burgdorf, as well as her grandchildren Max and Paige.
At this time we are unable to host a visitation and memorial service as we hope to at a later date when we can gather safely and loved ones who wish to attend can travel. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease). Select donate in tribute or mail checks made payable to the Alzheimer’s Association to the Alzheimer’s Association National Processing Center, P.O.Box 96011, Washington D.C., 20090-6011.
DeeDee was a dear cousin. I have so many fond memories of her growing up. My Uncle, her father, adored his grandchildren and always gave us an update when he visited. My sympathies to her family and extended family. Bless you all – Connie Wentz Bromfield
I remember Dee Dee as one of the kindest ladies I know. She always made you feel welcome and always had a smile. She will be missed. Blessings,
Diane, or “Dee Dee” as she was known to her Ponca City, OK, friends, was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. We were born one day apart in Ponca City Hospital and therefore considered ourselves “soul sisters.” We shared many experiences at Ponca City High School where she was a Dynamiter (pep club) squad leader, a reporter for the school newspaper, a member of Tri-Hi-Y and the Future Journalists of American. She was a true and dynamic friend to many classmates. We loved her then. We love her now. Our group of comrades would sunbathe at the lake in the summer, but she wouldn’t go in the water because she was afraid of fish. She would squeal when startled or surprised, and she would listen intently when a friend was having a bad day. We drank sodas at Walker’s Walgreen Drug store, dragged Grand Ave in our parents’ cars, sang to Beatles’ songs, relished in school dances, football games, slumber parties and the Prom. We fretted about geometry and boyfriends.We were members of the Po-Hi Class of 1964, and to this day those memories remain. A number of us worked as camp counselors at Camp McFadden, a Campfire Girls’ camp. She was a favorite among campers. One night a seven-year old camper awakened her whispering, “There is a pussy cat under my bed.” Upon Dee Dee’s inspection, she found a fairly large pack rat hiding there! Screams scared the rat away, but we never let her forget that experience. We grew up, married, had families, yet remained close. She considered her three children her greatest achievement and she loved each one without reservation for the adults they became. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren filled her with delight. She also cared deeply for her late husband Fred and his children. They made her life full and happy. In her later years, she developed Alzheimer’s and took residence in a care facility. If you were to visit her there, you’d find that if you started to sing the school song, she’d join in singing “Ponca City We Love You,” and smile. She remembered all the words when prompted. She left this world a better place through her smile, her good cheer, her care for others, the sunshine of her laugh, her innocence, and the genuine kindness she showed to all she met. My sincere sympathy to her children Julie and Andrew for their constant, loving attention to her needs. My thoughts are also with her sisters: Lilibet, Laurie and Annie. You three and Dee Dee helped weave the Dewey legacy. God speed. Rest in Peace dear Dee Dee.
I only knew DeeDee for a few years before my family moved away from Ponca City, but we had so much fun. She was just a wonderful friend-so interested in everything that was going on and so positive with everyone and so inclusive.
She was a delightful person and I am so glad to have known her.
So sorry to hear of Dee Dees passing. She was such a sweet, caring and kind lady. She was always such a positive person and definitely an inspiration. Thank you for all the advice, great times and recipes you gave me and for making me feel like family. I’ll never forget you. I’m sure you are doing your “happy dance” in heaven right now. Love you always.