Diana Lea Strickland

Diana Lea Strickland, 57, of Galesburg, died at 8:03 p.m. Friday February 27, 2015 at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.

Diana was born November 24, 1957 in Galesburg, the daughter of Max Lee Cook and Dolores Ann Tarr.  She married Jack L. Strickland on March 5, 1999 in Galesburg.  Diana is survived by her husband, Jack of Galesburg; her step mother whom raised her, Shirley Cook-Fuller of Galesburg; one daughter, Dorrie (Lane Clevenger) Barton of Galesburg; one step daughter, Carisa Nelson of Abingdon; two step sons, Joseph Strickland of Tennessee and Steven (Arley Szydloski) Strickland of Galesburg; and two brothers, William (Kelly) Wendlandt of Rush, NY and Lee Cook of Galesburg.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Nicholas, Elias, and Noah German, Demetrious and Caleigh Strickland, Drake Hunter Barton, Matilda Clevenger, Ethan Szydloski and Jameson Johnston.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Elizabeth Shaw.

Diana was a waitress in Galesburg for many years, and will be remembered especially for her years at Don’s Family Restaurant and most recently the Broadview.  She also worked at City Cab for a time.  Diana was a member of Northwood’s Church.  She loved to go to the casino, drink coffee and socialize.  But her truest love was having her grandchildren over to the house to swim and having family and friends over for cookouts.

Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Diana’s brother Pastor William Wendlandt will officiate.  Visitation will follow the memorial service until 9 p.m.   Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.  Memorials may be directed to Northwood’s Church.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family atwww.watsonthomas.com.