Diana Dee Martin

Diana Dee Martin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by her cherished family. She was born on January 26, 1941, in Concordia, Kansas, and lived a life marked by strength, resilience, and unwavering love for those around her.

During her younger years, she worked at the Grand Jayhawk Theatre. She was a proud owner/operator of her own salon and bar for several years and later worked at TJ Terminals. For 31 years, Diana dedicated herself to her career in the accounting and budgeting department at the Shawnee County Clerk's Office, where her hard work and diligence were evident in every task she undertook. She also worked part time at Irigonegaray, Eye and Florez Law Office.

Her commitment to her work was paralleled only by her devotion to her family, which she valued above everything else. As a single mother of six kids, she navigated life's challenges with a stubborn spirit and a strong-willed nature, always telling it like it was. Diana possessed a dry sense of humor that brought joy to those around her, even in tough times, always maintaining a positive outlook.

Diana's passions were many. She found solace in her all-day coffee, enjoyed painting, and loved playing cards with her family and grandkids. She had a zest for life that included a love for car racing and weekends spent watching NASCAR, as well as trips in her youth to the racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she reveled in the excitement of horse racing. She was able to mark an item off of her bucket list by traveling to Washington D.C. to visit the Smithsonian. Diana also took great pleasure in her time with family, often taking her mother to play BINGO, cherishing every moment spent together. She was not only a fan of the Chiefs but also played fantasy football, showcasing her spirit and competitiveness.

Diana is survived by her loving children: Johnny (Lori) Rea, Stacy (Vince) Berry, Jenny (Scott) Scheibe, Ty (Jerry) Gentry, CJ Martin and her daughter in law, Sandy Rea and brother, Charles (Kathy) Freed. Her family legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ricole, Elizabeth (Bobby), Victoria (Brian), Robbie (Rachel), Butch (Abby), Stephanie, Shannon, Kyle, Justus (Bailey), Alexis, Mercedes (Mariah), and Hadley. Diana was also a proud great-grandmother to Kyler, Jagger, Braden, Aria, Liam, Molly, Emzey, Parker, Jaylynn, Rylan, Jax, and Kitai. Each of her descendants holds a piece of her heart, carrying forward the values and love she instilled in them.

She was predeceased by her father, Norman Freed, her mother, Roberta (Mitchell) Freed, her husband, John Rea, her brothers Dennis, Danny, and Teri Freed, and her son, Ricky Rea. Their memories remain a lasting part of who she was, shaping the strong and caring individual her family knew and loved.

Diana's visitation will be held on July 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Parker-Price & Davidson in Topeka, Kansas, followed by a funeral service on July 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM, where loved ones will gather to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy. Burial to follow at Rochester Cemetery in Topeka.

Diana Dee Martin will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and the love she shared will continue to live on through her family and the countless memories they created together.

Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson: NE Kansas Parkinson Association PO Box 67342, Topeka, KS 66667-0342 http://www.nekpa.com. 

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