Diane Mccrory Neely

Diane McCrory Neely passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 while in the care of Ascension St. Vincent Hospice. She was 84 years old.

Diane’s passing followed a long battle with cancer, in which she demonstrated great fortitude. She never complained and never expressed grief or fear at her condition, and even volunteered for experimental treatments in hopes of helping others.

Diane was born December 17, 1935 in Indianapolis to Robert and Thelma McCrory. Her youth was spent in Indianapolis and in Brazil Indiana, where she had many relatives. Diane graduated from Emmerich Manual High School, of which she was very fond, and attended Indiana University. Her mother and father both worked for Eli Lilly and Company, and Diane did the same, taking a position with Eli Lilly as a secretary.

In 1956 Diane married Glenn E. “Gene” Neely, a Navy veteran who served on a hospital ship in Korea. They remained in Indianapolis, where Gene took up the trade of dental technician. Diane bore two children, Gary and Donna. An exceptionally patient and untiring mother, she never failed to provide for the needs, the comfort, and the support of her children.

In 1969 Diane and Gene built a new home in Carmel Indiana, at a time when cattle could still be found in the fields behind their property. Performing much of the finishing work themselves, they taught themselves carpentry, brick laying, tile work, and many other techniques. These skills would serve them well during their lives.

Shortly after constructing their new home, Diane and Gene took a brave step: they formed their own dental laboratory in their home. Neely Dental Lab became a success, gaining a reputation for specialized craftsmanship among dentists in the greater Indianapolis region. Diane worked at Gene’s side, learning many of the same skills while taking on the logistical and accounting operations of the lab.

Gene had an artistic nature, and used his skills to cast fine jewelry and form works of stained glass. Diane often worked with him, selecting many of the designs they would craft and learning much of the same skills. Friends and family often received many of these exceptional works as gifts.

Diane and Gene would again bring their many skills to bear late in life when they constructed a small second house on a lake near Spencer Indiana, where they spent many peaceful and very happy days.

Diane was very active in Carmel Christian Church where she would serve as an Elder, helping to ensure the future of the church and its continued outreach to the community. Service to the church would define much of her life and have a very positive impact on others.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene in 2017. She is survived by her two children, Gary (Victoria) Neely and Donna (Jerry) Carrier, as well as two grandchildren, Linsey (Ryan) Reed and Kate (Kevin) Todd. Diane took special pride and delight in her three great-grandchildren, Jordan Todd, Myra Todd, and Harrison Reed, who knew her as “Gigi”.

The family would like to give special thanks to Ascension St. Vincent Hospice for the extraordinary care that was provided to Diane during her final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ascension St. Vincent Hospice.