Diane Jones

Diane Rae Shean Wright-Morrison-Jones  was born June 10, 1943 in the “Old Cottage” Hospital in Santa Barbara California. She is the daughter of Ruth and Rex Shean. She passed thru the veil Tuesday, January 24, 2018 in the Henderson Hospital in Henderson Nevada while surrounded by her family. She lost a long battle with cancer and pneumonia.

Diane was very active in the Girl Scout and the Mariner program, obtaining the highest level, “Boatswains”. During that time she spent a of lot time at the Santa Barbara harbor. Due to going over the concert railings, her shorts got worn; hence she patched them and then was labeled, “Patches”. That group of girls stayed together from elementary school thru high school.

While in junior high and high school, she was member of the drill team, and went to seminary weekdays (6:00 am). She was on the swim team, and at one point asked to join the US Olympic team, but declined due to the time it would have required. At the age of 12 she was teaching swimming at the YMCA. This skill she used the rest of her life, especially in the Boy Scouts. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School she was went to BYU. She majored in Physical Education, and then worked as a PE teacher for over 45 years. When she lived in Michigan and Utah she taught in up to three schools, and also worked as a traveling occupational therapy assistant for all of the elementary schools in the local district. Later when she moved back to California, she taught in the Foothill elementary school (5 years), then at the Santa Barbara City Schools “Open Alternative School” (18 years). Her claim to fame was teaching adaptive PE. When she moved to Henderson Nevada she again taught at the Joy Academy (4 years). She was teaching right up to last year. Goal was to teach: “Play Hard”, “Play Fair”, and “Play Safe’. Everything else where “Instructions”.

Another side of Diane was as a very active member of the Boy Scouts (40 years). She started when her oldest son (Dennis) started in the Cub Scout program. When Dennis went into the Boy Scouts she again followed. In 1982 Diane completed the highest Boy Scout adult training – Wood Badge. She was put into the Owl Patrol (a life time member). When she came to Santa Barbara she joined Elmer in teaching five Wood Badge courses. In 1993 she received the highest level of recognition at the council level. Earlier she received the District Award of Merit. She also received many of the BSA training awards. When she came to Henderson she became the District Training Chairperson.

Diane married Warren Wright in 1963. They were blessed with a son, Dennis (Pleasant Grove, UT). Diane married Kenneth Morrison in 1974; they had three children: Matthew Brian (Tucson, AZ), Melanie Marie (Willit, CA), and Scott Kenneth. On 31, 1986 Diane married Elmer L Jones Jr. whose children: Elmer L Jones III (Santa Ynez, CA), Richard Lee (Tennessee), Aimee (Lancaster, CA), and Darby Lowell (Santa Barbara, CA) combined for a family of eight! With that large family she where blessed with 19 grandchildren (McKenna, Walker, Weston, Maitlyn, Phoenix, Shelby, Adrean, Alex, Shannon, Cassie, Shiloh, Tristan Rex (T-Rex), Corbin, Keasen Riegert (Morrison), Cassandra, Lindsey, Michalae, Darby Jr., and Devon.  Diane is also survived by her brother Michael Shean (Oxnard, CA) and many nieces and nephews.

Diane is being laid to rest February 5, 2018 in the Santa Barbara Cemetery, Santa Barbara, California. Diane is joining her Parents, Grandparents, some of her Great-Great Grandparents in this Cemetery.

Diane cared greatly for all of the children she came into contact with through her life and career, and contributed greatly to the well-being of many.  She was loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed.  Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com