Dianna Marie Ely

Dianna Marie Ely obituary

Dianna Marie Ely

Upcoming Events

Feb

21

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service

7 North Main St, Canton, NC 28716

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Services provided by

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.

Dianna Ely Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Crawford / Ray Funeral Home on Feb. 16, 2026.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, we lost a remarkable lady, Dianna Marie Murray Ely, and heaven gained a special soul whose kindness has touched countless lives throughout her 65 years of life. Dianna was blessed with a caring heart and, in the words of her family, "She had the gift of a loving, giving heart". Dianna always made everyone around her feel valued and special.

She had a deep passion for helping individuals with special needs. Her work and dedication to mental health in her community were an inspiration of how one person's concern and commitment can change lives for the better. Her dedication and her advocacy will continue in the hearts of those she touched forever. Dianna also had a tender place in her heart for dogs, especially if they needed special care and love.

Dianna was a beloved wife, a wonderful mother, and a grandmother. She cherished her family deeply, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Dianna's home was always filled with music, laughter, and joy. Throughout the years during Christmas holidays, wonderful memories were shared with Dianna and will never ever be forgotten. Her joy of dining out and her fondness for her favorite color of red will always bring a smile to her family and friends.

As a Christian, Dianna loved God, and her life reflected that in every act of kindness and every moment she spent helping and caring about others. She embraced life fully, and her giving spirit did not end with her passing. Dianna chose to be a life-giving donor offering the gift of healing and hope for others. She is truly an example for each of us to follow.

Surviving are her husband of 15 years, Donald Ely of Clyde; daughters, Amber Duncan (Zachary) of Waynesville, Rachel Furrow of DeBary, Florida and Tara Carter (Brandon) of Waynesville; grandchildren, Jaron Rogers, Sade Yon, Brianne Kuhlke, Nicholas Kuhlke, Taylor Furrow and Tallon Furrow and Deegan Carter; sisters, Patricia Sullivan and Karon Pasquale; also Dianne's beloved dog," Libby"; and many dear friends.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Dianna will be held from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianna's memory may be made to, https://marfan.org/research/

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for Dianna and her family.

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

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home

1 North Main St. 7 North Main St., Canton, NC 28716

Make a Donation
in Dianna Ely's name

How to support Dianna's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Dianna Ely's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Feb

21

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service

7 North Main St, Canton, NC 28716

Send FlowersBook nearby hotels

Services provided by

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home

Only 4 days left for delivery to next service.