Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
1925
2012
Lois Ray Kater Diller
1925 - 2012
Lois Ray Kater Diller of Eugene died August 7, 2012, at her home in Eugene, from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She was 87.
Lois lived life following her heart's desire, often in an unconventional way. She was a painter, weaver, and basket-maker as well as one of the first Dance Therapists in the US. A lifelong questioner, committed to exploring the ideas of psychotherapy and spirituality, she traveled to the San Francisco Zen Center to study and practice Zen Buddhism. A loving, devoted and engaged friend, she was known for encouraging others to "be true to who you are".
Lois was born on July 29th, 1925, to Shirley and Harvey Kater in what she called "paradise", now called Los Angeles. Early in life, she discovered a love of art, music and dance. As a teen, Lois discovered the art "scene" happening in Topanga Canyon, and spent time hanging out with the artistic crowd. During what she called her "glamour years" she modeled, cut a demo record, did several movie auditions, and was a "presenter" on the TV show "Queen for a Day".
At 18 she married John Ross and gave birth to a son, Jeffery Ross. A few years later, Lois divorced and moved to San Francisco, where she lived for a brief time before returning to L.A.
At UCLA Lois met her soul mate, then grad student Edward Diller. Eloping to Mexico, they "married" in December 1954. They dragged their kids around the world together over the next 3 decades. In 1984 Lois and Ed joyfully celebrated their 30th anniversary with an official Jewish wedding, surrounded by family and friends.
Ed accepted a job in the U of O German Department in 1963, and they moved their family to Eugene. Lois enjoyed hosting many University gatherings in their spacious Potter Street living room with the bright orange shag carpet. She went on to earn her MA from U of O in Movement. True to her searching nature, she studied Sensory Awareness with Charlotte Selver, took many courses with dancer Ana Halpern, became a practitioner of Therapeutic Touch, practiced Zen with Norman Fischer, and kept Rabbi Yitzhak busy with the question of "what it means to be a good Jew".
Lois was active in the Eugene community. She taught children's modern dance, helped found the Eastside Alternative School, and worked at Temple Beth Israel preschool. In her later years, Lois was active in many social causes, graduated from clown school and became a member of "Encore Theater", performing in local schools and detention centers.
Survivors include son Jeffery Ross of Los Angeles; daughter Amie Diller of Davis, California; son Kevin Diller of Portland Oregon; son Steven Diller of Los Angeles; grandchildren: Shauna, Mario, Eddie, Frankie, and Milo; niece Carole Diller; nephew Jerry Diller; brother Pat Kater of Los Angeles.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 9th, at Temple Beth Israel, followed by a reception.
Remembrances to Preschool of Temple Beth Israel,
(541) 485-7218. Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I remember going to Lois' movement class in a basement on University Street. I remember her beautiful body in a brown leotard. So sorry I never told her how much those classes meant to me.
September 25, 2013
Lois was a remarkably interesting, talented woman. Our children grew up together and I will always remember her creative energy.
Hannah Goldrich
September 3, 2012
Ed Diller was my uncle (my mother's brother)and Lois my aunt by marriage. Although we did not keep in touch after Ed's passing, I remember Lois' kindness to me as a child. And I remember many good times spent with her and Ed in the snowy San Bernadino mountains...
I heard about her passing from her son Jeff whom I have known and stayed in contact with most of my life.
So, on behalf my mother Stella Ponick (deceased) and my family - our sincere condolences.
Wes Ponick
August 28, 2012
Lois, from knowing you at Center forSacred Sciences and before, such kindness in letting me use your room at Eugene Hotel when you were gone, enjoying dinner there with you and Phyllis and visiting you later, I didn't see enough of you. Godspeed!
Eleanor (Ellie) Parsons
August 27, 2012
I have rich memories of Lois from Encore Theatre but also her engaged approach to life. It was instructive and memorable. Peace to all her family. Onward!
Jay Moseley
August 22, 2012
Memories: When I moved to Eugene, newly divorced with two young boys, you and Ed became my first friend. You were welcoming and I feel as though Amie, Kevin and Steven were my niece and nephews. You are missed but not from memory. Much love, Joy Poust
Joy Poust
August 20, 2012
I remember you, Lois! And Ed, too...
Helmut ("Hank") Plant
August 19, 2012
I remember Lois reminding me to "move" and it helped so much. What a lovely person!
Susan Garrett
August 19, 2012
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more