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Dianna Hartley Obituary

Dianna Hartley, Ph.D

January 10, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky - Passed away on January 10, 2024, after a distinguished career as a clinical psychologist. She was a graduate of Lynn View High School class of 1965, East Tennessee State University with degrees in English and Math, and Vanderbilt University with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. After her Doctorate, she completed a post-doctoral program at the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas, and then taught at Yale University Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut. Later she taught and practiced at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. She continued her private practice after moving to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1990.

Dianna was smart as a whip, gritty, determined, fearless, strong-willed, loving, funny, adventuresome, and cooked like a chef. She loved hiking, travel, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and trying new cuisines. After she became a mother to her beloved Nicole, she applied these qualities in her new role, becoming a "drama mama", Girl Scout chauffeur, violin audience, hiking guide, and ballet patron.

She was born in Banner Elk, North Carolina, and never lost her love, and passion for, coming home to the western NC mountains. She enjoyed the fresh air, the beautiful views, the hiking, and sitting around the dining room table at the old home place in Linville, NC, in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. Linville will be her final resting place. Her life will be celebrated on her birthday, April 5, with a graveside service at Tanglewood Cemetery.

Dianna is survived by her husband of 33 years, Todd F. Van Denburg, her beautiful Nicole and son-in-law Zachery Wills, and one grandson, Hartley Francis Wills.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Jan. 19, 2024.

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5 Entries

Bill Elder

January 10, 2025

Considering moving back to Lexington. I was thinking that I would call Dianna to find out about Starting a psychology practice. I´m so sorry to hear of her passing. I did not know all of the accomplishments described here. It´s always clear how much she lived her family. I knew her when she provided supervision for me as a psychologist when I first moved to Lexington over 25 years ago. She was always so kind and encouraging. I work at the UK Medical Center. I will speak to her from time to time wanting to refer a patient to her or someone she could recommend. Is the Psychologist, I can tell you that she was a great one and made a positive difference in the Lexington community.

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Patricia La Brosse

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Pati Dynes

January 21, 2024

Dear Todd, Nicole and Zach, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dianna. I will hold you and those who knew and loved her in my daily prayers. May her memory bring you peace and love.
Pati Dynes

Elizabeth Hartley Filliat

January 20, 2024

In loving memory of my dear first cousin, whose father was my father´s younger brother. Dianna was a `class act´ all of her life. I loved and respected her. Her grandson, Hartley, is only four years younger than my grandson. We both were blessed with our own family late in life. My deepest condolences to all those who loved Dianna, as did I. Elizabeth Hartley Filliat

Julie Terrell

January 19, 2024

My utmost condolences to you Todd and Nicole for the loss of such a wonderful wife, mother, and dear friend. My family has wonderful memories of the two of you and Dr. Hartley during our days of Cassidy School and Girl Scout outings. I visited with Dr. Hartley about a year ago while shopping and so enjoyed catching up with each other and learning how well our respective daughters are experiencing big city life. Much love to you, to Zachery, and especially to Hartley.

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