Diane E. Lilarose, 85, of South Heidelberg Township, passed away July 12, 2024 in the Reading Hospital with her family by her side. Diane was the widow of Robert R. Lilarose, local entertainer “Bobby Raye” who passed on May 12, 2008. They were married June 14, 1958.

        Born in West Reading, Diane was a daughter of the late Earl E. Hoyer and Ruth (Weaver) Hoyer-Meinholze. She was a 1957 graduate of Reading High School.

        Diane was active in her passion to make the community a better place. She served on the Girl Scout Council as a leader. Diane also served as a neighborhood chairman in the Lincoln Park neighborhood from 1966 to 1976. Other organizations Diane volunteered with include the Shillington Junior Women’s Club, Easter Seal Society, Wilson Band Aids and the Lincoln Park Swimming Pool Association.

        From 1976 to 1991, Diane was employed as a receptionist in local Berks doctors’ offices.

        Diane was a devoted member at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Shillington since 1963. While active, she served on consistory as both deacon and elder, taught Sunday school, chaired numerous committees, celebrations and was a 35-year member of the church choir.

        Foundations close to Diane included the Berks County Historical Society, Reading Musical Foundation and The Reading Museum.

        Diane truly loved traveling with family and friends, cruising, spending time with her daughters, flea marketing, the arts, and entertainment. At home, you could find her cooking, gardening, entertaining or playing a challenging game of Scrabble. She lived for and adored the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

        Surviving are two daughters, Robin R. Lilarose, Sinking Spring and Sherry L. Rust wife of Wayne K. “Chip” Rust, Bethlehem.

        Other survivors include her grandchildren: Jordan M. Romero, Adam K. Rust and Courtney L. (Rust) Koehler, wife of Joshua Koehler and two great grandchildren: Sadie Lynn and Brooks Thomas Koehler.

        Diane’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Immanuel U.C.C. 99, S. Waverly St., Shillington, PA 19607. Family and friends will be received immediately following services in fellowship hall where her reception will be held.

        In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immanuel U.C.C. at the above address or Reading Musical Foundation, P.O. Box 14835, Reading, PA 19613. The Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Shillington, is assisting the Lilarose family. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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