Diana Graham Obituary

On August 13, 2025, our beloved Diana Leilani "Lani" (Ferris) Graham left this world as gracefully as she lived in it - holding her daughters' hands in her Corvallis, Montana home just three weeks after learning she had terminal brain tumors - 81 years young in spirit, vibrant, adventurous, and full of love until the very end.

Born July 11, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, to band leader Donald Leroy Ferris and Johns Hopkins Patient Representative Rose (Matthews) Ferris, Lani grew up with a dancer's grace and an athlete's determination. She could pirouette across a ballet studio at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute just as easily as she could win a tennis or badminton match (and often did as a Junior National Champion!). She earned her degree in Physical Education and lettered in tennis and badminton from the University of Maryland.

As an adult, she had many roles: teacher, student, athlete, military wife, mother, dancer, volunteer, world traveler, and friend. She earned two master's degrees while raising a family and supporting her husband, U.S. Air Force Colonel James R. "Jim" Graham, through a career that took them around the globe. In 1985, they settled in northern Virginia to be close to her Maryland family and retired to Durango, Colorado in 2002. She consistently welcomed international guests into her home, tended gardens and plants, and folk danced. She moved with surprising stealth around a ping pong table! She was always a steady connector in her community - bringing people together and lending a hand where it was needed.

In the years after Jim's 2004 death, Lani hosted folk dancers and musicians, fostered kittens and puppies, enjoyed the outdoors, and danced at every opportunity. She volunteered with the Danish American Exchange, Cancer Support Community Southwest Colorado, Seniors Outdoors, Durango Community Folk Dance, La Plata County Humane Society, and Cat Care of Durango.

Those who knew Lani will remember the way she could light up a room without trying. She was the kind of friend who showed up when you needed her and listened without judgment. She approached life with quiet determination and curiosity, saying yes to new experiences - like her recent July birthday Alaskan fishing adventure!

She is survived by her daughters, Jennie Graham Dean, Wendy Graham Settle (Wayne Settle 1971 - 2019), son-in-law, Tony Dean, grandchildren Breahna and Ryleigh Dean, and siblings, Don, Faith and Ken Ferris. Her spirit shines bright in the many lives she touched around the world - friends, dance family, and foster animals.

In her honor, Lani requested donations to Cancer Support Community (formerly Blueprints of Hope), LaPlata County Humane Society (please specify Foster Program), and Cat Care of Durango.