On Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, at 9:59, Diana Gail Shew Lipe, age 81 passed away peacefully at Camellia Gardens of Life Care, Thomasville, Georgia. Diana was born on May 10, 1943, in the loving home of Jennie Loretta Thomason Shew and James Samuel Shew in Benton, Illinois. James Richard “Dick” Shew joined the family as Diana’s little brother, but later, became her protector and advocate.
Even though Diana spent her final years in Georgia, her heart never left Illinois. Diana spent her carefree childhood days in the town of Benton, Illinois. She learned to play the piano beautifully and loved playing her shiny white piano as an adult. As a student, Diana excelled in school, always achieving good grades, striving for perfection. Diana had God given talent in art and painted exquisite landscapes and still life on canvas. As a top ten outstanding senior, Diana graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1961. Three short years out of high school, Diana caught the affections of a Marine, Larry Kent Durham and they were married in 1964. While they both went on to remarry, they were the parents of two children whom they both adored: Michael Kent Durham and Kenneth Wade Durham.
Diana worked at Lawrence A. Lipe and Associates for 27 years. A work relationship turned into a marriage between Larry Lipe and Diana. Their marriage would last 29 years and would have gone longer had Larry not passed away in 2016. Larry lovingly cared for his bride when she had a debilitating stroke in 2004 until the time, he could no longer care for her because of his own illnesses. His selflessness and patience with her condition never wavered. Diana moved from Illinois in 2018 so she could be closer to family. She captured the hearts of those who cared for her in South Georgia. In her last days, caregivers teared up as they recounted her blowing kisses in gratitude for her care. The family remains indebted to those in Illinois & Georgia who cared for her. The next time you dance, and we hope you do, remember Diana. A stroke paralyzed her right side, but now we can joyfully celebrate that she is dancing and moving freely in heaven.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Alfred “Larry” Lipe, grandson, Jasper Lipe and her parents, Jennie Loretta Thomason Shew, and James Samuel Shew. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael “Mike” Kent Durham (Judy Williams), Kenneth Wade Durham (Angie), grandchildren Mary Grayson Durham, Catherine “Cassie” Caroline Durham, brother James Richard “Dick” Shew (Cathy), niece Amy Shew Bosch (Dan), great niece Caroline Bosch, great nephew Braxton Bosch, nephew Matt Shew (Lynnette), great nephew Wyatt Shew, stepson Steve Lipe (Susan), grandchildren, Coco Lipe, Scarlett Lipe, stepdaughter Laura Lipe Vavrin (John), grandchildren, Sarah Vavrin and Will Vavrin.
Diana wished to be buried beside her beloved Larry Lipe in Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing, Illinois. Although her soul is in heaven, her body will be laid to rest in the dirt she loved. We rejoice knowing that the last few words she heard on this earth were from John 14:19: “Because I live, you also will live.” Diana believed these Words and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation, and she rests with Him now.
A visitation will be held at Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The service will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by the interment at Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Diana’s memory may be made to either Williams Chapel Cemetery or Brady Cemetery & will be accepted by Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Diana, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com
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