Marilyn Dian Crabtree’s life was a beautiful journey filled with music, adventure, love, and laughter. Born on August 13, 1937, to Leonard and Della McLerran Crabtree, she was raised in the Wisdom and Hogles Creek communities, where her vibrant spirit and love for others began to shine.
As a young woman attending Weaubleau High School, Dian was known for her incredible voice. She shared her gift of music throughout her community, often singing at weddings and funerals, touching countless lives with her talent and heartfelt presence.
After graduation, she moved to Kansas City and began working for the Federal Reserve Bank. During this time, she met and married Harry Stephens, and together they welcomed two children, Debra and Kevin, who brought her great pride and joy.
Later in life, Dian found lasting happiness with her husband, Wilson Parke. Together they embraced life to the fullest—traveling in their RV, enjoying trips to Las Vegas, and spending cherished years living in Florida. These years were filled with laughter, companionship, and unforgettable memories.
From Florida, they moved to Osage Beach, where they made a home on the lake and continued enjoying life’s simple pleasures. After many wonderful years there, they returned to Warsaw, Missouri, living for a time in her parents’ farmhouse before eventually settling in Sedalia, Missouri. They remained there until the passing of Wilson.
Dian’s life was truly one to celebrate. She found joy in the little things, treasured time with family, and created memories that will be carried on by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilson Parke; her son, Kevin Stephens; her parents, Leonard and Della McLerran Crabtree; her sister, Betty Shoesmith; her brother, Jr. McLerran; her great-niece, Greta Evans; and her nephew, Jim Jones.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Debbie (Ray Vaughan); her grandsons, Stephen and Dillon Connely; her granddaughters, Breanna Kosty and Caitlin Stick; her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Connely; her nieces and nephews, Linda Schulz (Darrell), Larry Cobb, Paula Jones, Anita Henderson (Steve); her cousin Edwin McLerran and Helen McLerran Gregory; along with many great-nieces and nephews.
Dian will be deeply missed, but her life—full of music, love, and adventure—will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Arrangements for her cremation are under the direction of the Reser Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Warsaw.
Memorials are suggested to the Shiloh Cemetery Association in care of Reser Funeral Home.
