Dianne Shook Obituary

It is with heavy hearts and a lifetime of fond memories that we announce the death of Dianne Shook, 87 of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who was called Home to the Lord on June 23, 2024. Born Dianne Lee Proff on December 21, 1936, she was the daughter of Joseph Franklin Proff and Melville Elaine (Munslow) Proff.
Dianne is survived by her husband of more than 69 years, Wendell Shook; son Warren Shook, daughter Aimee Crossland and husband John Wiginton, son Jonathan Shook and wife Mary, daughter Lisa Windle; grandchildren Jason Shook and wife Erica, Stacy Mireles, Tiffany Stewart and husband Jeff, Casey White and husband Kris, Daniel Crossland and wife Nikki, Cody Crossland and wife Piper, Melissa Windle, Emily Rodriguez and husband Nick, Claire Maliszewski and husband Tommy, Joseph Shook and wife Brooklyn. She was also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by numerous dear cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Proff, her mother Melville Allen and stepfather Payson Allen, two brothers Joseph "Skip" Proff Jr., and Charles "Chuck" Proff.
Dianne attended school in California, graduating from Santa Ana High School in 1954. Later, she earned her associate's degree from OCCC in Travel and Tourism. She was an adventuresome person from the time she was quite young, as evidenced by her time in Japan as a youngster, where she and a friend climbed Mt. Fuji at the age of sixteen! Her adventurous nature remained with her throughout her life.
Wendell and Dianne Shook were married on November 27, 1954, at the El Torro Marine Air Base, in Irvine, California. They were blessed with four children – Warren, Aimee, Jonathan, and Lisa. Dianne was a devoted life-long follower of Christ Jesus, and multi-generations of being an Episcopalian. Dianne and Wendell have been faithful members of St. James Episcopal Church for several decades. Dianne served her church family as long as her health allowed by volunteering in the food pantry, serving on the vestry, and on the prayer chain. For her children, she modeled to them what it was to be a Christian. She was full of love and helped many others know Christ. Her faith was enriched and deepened even more when she participated in a Cursillo weekend. Dianne believed in the power of prayer, often praying for loved ones, or anyone who may have sought prayer through the prayer chain at church. She especially loved the sacrament of Holy Eucharist commanded by Christ for the remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection until his coming again.
Professionally, Dianne spent many years as a real estate broker. From 1970 to 1976, she worked for Pride Real Estate, where she was a top producing agent. In 1976, she opened her own company, and as President of Dianne Shook Co. Century 21, had 4 offices with over 100 agents on her team. She retired from real estate in 1984. Dianne was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club (BP&W), as well as the South OKC Chamber of Commerce, where she served on the board of directors.
Dianne's most notable trait was her warm and friendly personality. She had the unique ability to make you feel special and heard. She was strong willed, resilient, and spunky. Her positive attitude and strength helped her survive breast cancer, strokes, and live with congestive heart failure for years. She was honest – so honest that if there was an issue or problem, she would let you know without being hateful or mean. She was very diplomatic and didn't mince words. Dianne gracefully moved about her life meeting people from all walks of life, servers to dignitaries, treating every person she encountered with respect and kindness. If she did get cross about something, she might curse a little, but she never stayed mad. She was very witty with great sense of humor, too. Dianne had joy in her heart, and it never left her, even to the end. She always had the Holy Spirit with her. Her faith, hope and love were evident in the way she lived. She was also a "hugger," and not just with family or close friends. Whether in church or the hair salon, the office or a happenstance meeting, you would likely get asked if you wanted a hug. She absolutely loved giving and getting hugs!
Many things brought Dianne happiness. She was a voracious reader and a longtime member of the Book of the Month Club. She shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren and took them with her on weekly visits to the library. Many of her grandchildren now carry on the tradition of weekly trips to the library. She also loved watching and cheering for the OU Sooners! She knew the team stats, all about the players, their positions, and even the coaching staff. Dianne would host many football watch parties throughout the years. She was thrilled in 2014 when OU beat Notre Dame! It was an exciting game, during which Dianne let us know she had been mad at Notre Dame since 1957 because the defeat had ended OU's 47 game winning streak. Chocolate also made her happy anything chocolate, like her go-to Godiva with raspberry crème, but her favorite was the little Andes mint chocolate Wendell would give her every night before she went to sleep – they were truly best friends. Dianne loved music, appreciated a good singer, and was always most partial to Wendell's guitar playing. In their younger years living in Texas, the couple were even in a band together called The Doodle-buggers.
Having all the family together for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, graduations, weddings, football games, and childbirths was so thrilling! When the children were younger, getting the family together on Wendell's side at Ruidoso, camping at Lake Texoma or Arkansas in the little camper, and road trips out to southern California or Florida for holidays or to visit family – these are the memories Dianne cherished the most.
As we reflect upon her rich, storied life, let us remember her for her bold, spunky personality, her unwavering faith in Jesus, and her deep, genuine love for her fellow man. Dianne was a stellar example of how to be a good person who was always brave and kind, especially in the face of adversity.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the caring people who prayed and cared for Dianne; the Integris Hospice House who showed such kindness and compassion, to Pat, Kim, Tosha, and LaDana who provided loving care at home, the sweet caregivers and PT persons at Crystal Park, all the devoted nurses and doctors at Integris Health, and to the many friends and strangers who prayed for her. Dianne will be incredibly missed, but her memory will thrive, living forever in our hearts.
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