Diane Wright

Diane Elaine "Daisy" Wright, of Topeka, KS, passed away January 10, 2010. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, William H. Wright, son Greg Wright, and his wife Linda; son Jamie Wright, and his wife, Deanna, and daughter Nola Wright, and her husband, Richard Coates. She was the proud grandmother of 6 grand children and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre deceased by her son, Chris Wright, in 2007, and her sister Nola Cutler, in 2003.

Daisy was born April 1, 1928, to Frank and Leona Houston, in Kansas City, Mo. She attended Baker University in Baldwin, Ks where she was crowned homecoming queen in 1946. There, she met a handsome football player named Bill Wright, and they were married March 1, 1947. She later completed her BA in education at Washburn University in 1965 and taught for many years at Whitson Elementary in Topeka. She wrote and implemented the first gifted children's curriculum for USD 501. She earned her MA at Washburn and completed her Ph.D. in education at Kansas State University in 1995. For several years she also conducted private summer education sessions (known as "Three Birch Stoa") for gifted children at the family home.

Daisy was believer in community volunteerism, and leaves a legacy of stewardship and service. She was an active member of many organizations, including 25 years of service on the Educational Credit Union board of directors, of which she was chair for 15 years; the YWCA,; Mulvane Women's' Board; National Education Association; United Methodist Women; P.E.O., to name only a few. She and her husband were avid Sherlockians, and faithful to the Great Alkali Plainsman of Greater Kansas City. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Keystone Sunday school class at First United Methodist Church in Topeka, Ks, and the camaraderie of the St. Andrews Society.

Cremation is planned. A family visitation will be Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Midtown, Topeka, KS, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Donations may be made in her honor to the Educational Credit Union general scholarship fund, 2808 Arrowhead Drive, Topeka, 66614.