Diane Marie Kniep
February 14, 1944 ~ September 21, 2020
Diane Marie (Westfall) Kniep, 76, ended her fight against pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her loving family, on September 21, 2020. Diane was the only child of James and Viola (Taylor) Westfall, and was born in St. Louis, MO on February 14, 1944. She spent her childhood in St. Louis before moving to Amarillo, TX and later Wichita, KS with her parents. Diane had three children from her first marriage: James Darrell (who died shortly after birth), Jeffrey Allen and Jennifer Ann. Diane married Rodney Fredrick Kniep on August 16, 1975. Together they had one child: Joseph Aaron. On November 17, 1975 Rodney adopted Jeffrey and Jennifer as his own children. Diane worked many different jobs through her life, but for 31 years she dedicated herself to working as a Parent Involvement Worker for USD 259, helping parents become involved in their children's educational journey. In her retirement she was an active member of River Community Church, volunteered at the Good Neighbor Center food pantry, traveled with friends and loved on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Diane is preceded in death by her son, James; her parents; her husband, Rodney, and great-granddaughter Ella Mae Pauline Glancy. She is survived by her son, Jeff (Dawn) Kniep Wichita; daughter, Jennifer Stockard (Mitch) Topeka; son Joe (Christina) Kniep Wichita; 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Diane will be remembered for her loving heart and her beautiful smile. The family suggests donations in Diane's memory be made to: USD 259 McKinney Vento Family Programs or USD 259 Family Engagement, c/o Holly Wilson, Grant Administrator, 903 S. Edgemoor, Wichita, KS, 67218. Downing and Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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We shared an office at USD259 and an office at SEIU Local 513 after we retired. Traveled together to cities in Italy, Glaciers in Alaska, Mt. Magazine in Arkansas and the Rockies in Colorado. She was the perfect travel mate. So positive and fun to be with. I’ll really miss that smile and warmth she gave everyone.
Hugs to you, Hyla. I know you will miss her so much.
Diane was kind to everyone. I doubt you could find a person that has anything but good to say about her. She was loving, hard working, gracious, and just always the best of us. We will miss her ready smile so much. Blessings to her lived ones. Lisa Stoller, coworker.
I worked with Diane for several years at Washington El. She was always a pleasant woman who Was quick to smile. We will miss her!
My condolences to the Kniep family on the loss of Diane. I worked with Diane for several years in the Parent and Community Resource program. I agree with Lisa Stoller — I don’t know anyone who didn’t like her! God bless you all.