Diane Rae Crabtree

Diane Rae Crabtree was born November 5, 1947 and passed away on March 23, 2020, after a long respiratory illness, at her home in Grapeview, WA with her loving family by her side. 

Diane was born in Seattle Washington to John and Cora Lowell. She spent most of her childhood in Gig Harbor, WA, and graduated from Peninsula High School in 1966. Diane attended the University of Washington for two years and then went on to get her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olympic College in Bremerton, WA. After working as a hospital nurse, she went on to get her Bachelors of Nursing from St. Martins University in Lacey, WA. 

Diane married Thomas Crabtree in 1970 and moved to Arkansas for a short time, then moved back to Gig Harbor, and finally made her home in Grapeview, WA where they raised their two children, Jessica and Nathan.  

Diane worked most of her years as a Public Health nurse with the Mason County Health Department, specializing and working with children with special needs. Her love for the children was evident by all the projects for which she volunteered, outside of work. She was involved with The Gift for Special Needs Children's Program, which brought wonderful Christmas gifts to many needy children.  For many years, Diane joyfully played Mrs. Claus for the children during the Christmas season. 

Diane was so full of life and did many things outside of her nursing career. Even though retired, she would have probably been helping others in the thick of this pandemic, because that was just her. She was always looking for a way to help others. She loved to sew, travel, and was an active member of St. Edwards church in Shelton where she sang in the church choir for many years. Diane also enjoyed going on archaeological digs in the summers. One of her greatest loves, however, was folk dancing. She had many beautiful costumes and went dancing as often as she could. 

Diane is survived by her husband of almost 50 years,Thomas Crabtree, Jessica Crabtree (Joe), Nathan Crabtree, and 2 granddaughters, whom she loved very much, Emma and Basil. Her brother, Terry Lowell (Elizabeth) and her niece and Nephew, Greg (Alissa) and Katie Lowell (Nick). Her great nieces Genevieve and Brooklyn.  Her family was her greatest love.

Always caring, always loving, always helping, so full of life.... Diane, we will miss you so much.  Rest in Peace, we shall see you soon.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Rae Crabtree, please visit our floral store.