Obituary for Cheryl “Diann” Burress

C. Diann Burress
1946-2017

Platte City, Missouri- Cheryl “Diann” Burress, 71, Platte City, Missouri passed away on December 13, 2017.
Diann was born September 1, 1946 in Gallatin, Missouri to Sid and Delores (Smith) McFee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Maxine McFee-Shultz and brother, Leo Don McFee.
Diann joined KMEA at its inception in 1980. Over her career she lead KMEA’s participation in the Mutual Aid Program for Utilities, a cooperative effort of KS associations and agencies to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. She was instrumental in helping cities get power restored after flooding, ice storms and tornadoes. Diann received the Gilbert E. Hansen Jr. Outstanding Award in 2010 in recognition of her significant contributions to municipal joint action and public service power.
Diann loved to travel the country to photograph and explore new places and visit her friends. She enjoyed sewing and creating one-of-a-kind bags and quilts for her friends and family. Diann was extremely talented in finding solutions for just about anything. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Diann was an extremely creative, generous, loving and a wonderful person. We will miss her dearly – she will live in our hearts forever.
Survivors: husband of 49 years, Richard Burress, of the home; daughter, Trish (David) Cross, Gladstone, MO; brother, Charlie (Pat) Baker, Parkville, MO; nephews, Rick (Daryl) Heldenbrand, Lee’s Summit, MO, Randy (Becky) Heldenbrand, Olathe, KS and Ron Heldenbrand, Olathe, KS; 2 grandchildren, Gavin and Fiona Cross, Gladstone, MO; great-nephew, Ryan Heldenbrand.
Services: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Visitation: 10-11:00 AM, prior to service. Burial: Winston Cemetery, Winston, MO. In lieu of flowers, donation to Wayside Waifs and/or Head for the Cure.