Diane "Dee" L. (Whitaker) Rusk

Diane Lynn Whitaker Rusk, 75, of Geneseo, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, IL.  A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home in Geneseo, IL, with Reverend Dr. Chris Ritter officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to noon prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Henry County Humane Society in Kewanee, IL or Hillcrest Home.

Diane "Dee," was born on February 1, 1950, to Dale and Margaret (Klinger) Whitaker. She grew up in Geneseo, graduating from Geneseo High School in 1968. Diane then attended nursing school at Black Hawk College. On November 17, 1984, she married Richard “Dick” Rusk.  Diane spent many years working as a nurse, beginning her career at Hammond Henry Hospital and later at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Geneseo. Her caring and compassionate nature touched the lives of countless patients and their families. 

Diane and Dick spent many happy years together, enjoying their family, traveling, their pets, the grandkids & the great-grandkids. Diane had a passion for working in her yard, taking great enjoyment in the outdoor space. One of her favorite activities was traveling to Montana to visit Krissy’s family and pick huckleberries, sometimes getting lost in the patch while enjoying nature. She also loved playing cards with family and friends and traveling to Texas for the winter with Dick to escape the cold and enjoy time in the sunshine.

Diane cherished attending her children's, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren's activities, always eager to support them at their events and milestones. Whether it was cheering at sports games, attending performances, or spending time with them, she delighted in every moment she shared with her family.

Diane is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Rusk; children: Ray & Stacey Cotty of Geneseo, Brad & Jamie Cotty of Geneseo, Krissy & Nick Hessler of Ovando, Montana, Mike & Pat Rusk of Geneseo, Dave & Rhonda Rusk of Cambridge, Lisa Rusk of Geneseo, and Jason & Andrea Rusk of Geneseo; sister-in-law Judy Borkgren of Geneseo; and brother-in-law Bill Rusk of East Moline.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Dylan, Erika, and Eli Cotty; Chris and Lynn Cotty; Sawyer, Matilda, Silas, Mabel, and Gwendolyn Hessler; Seth and Jessica Rusk; Spencer and Macy Rusk; Sydney Rusk; Kyle, Ryan, and Ryley Rusk; Kyler Rusk; Madison Wancket; Nathan Johnson, Lexi Johnson, Zach Johnson, and Ava Rusk.

Additionally, she is survived by great-grandchildren: Kayden, Kash, Khloe, Braxton, Bennett, and Theodore.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharon Luikart; and her stepfather, Rusty Larimer.