Dee Ann Warner’s Celebration of Life: An Outpouring of Love

Dee Ann Warner. Photo courtesy of Parker Hardy.

The community gathered yesterday to celebrate the life of Dee Ann Warner. Dee, 52, was a mother of five, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and a 4-H Club mentor to many children.

A private service was held at the Tipton Cemetery. Pastor Eric Hickman led the prayers at Dee’s gravestone, situated next to the graves of her parents.

Afterward, Hardy’s Event Center opened its doors to the public for those wishing to pay their respects. It was a packed house. The afternoon was full of heartfelt tributes, tears, and laughter as friends and family exchanged stories, anecdotes, and memories of a woman who touched so many lives.

Parker Hardy, Dee’s nephew, described his aunt as a sassy spitfire with a generous spirit who was dedicated to her children and grandchildren. “On April 24, 2021, her life was cut short, and her family’s life was forever changed. On that fateful day, I took a personal oath once I came to terms with what had happened to Dee. I knew we had an angel looking down at us asking to bring her justice. To me, that signaled Dee needed her loud, crazy, obnoxious voice still to be heard and to rattle the chains across this crazy world of ours. I made a promise to her I would be that voice.”

Amber Million, Dee’s daughter, wrote down her tribute for Pastor Hickman to read. “My mom was the most uplifting, giving, and supportive person in my life.” Amber’s last memory of her mother was Dee telling her how proud of her she was. Amber recalled how Dee encouraged her husband to start his own business, telling him he was amazing at everything he did. “She never missed an opportunity to express her love or her support,” Amber wrote. Amber’s oldest son remembered his nana’s hugs and that she had the best laugh. Amber’s younger son’s favorite memory of his nana was baking cookies.

Another of Dee’s daughters, Rikkell Bock said, “Our mom was one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. She has given us so much strength and the power to move forward. She was never one to go down without a fight, and that quality will live on as we will always hold that fire she had. My mom would always tell me how she admired that I had the ability to not let things bother me, but the truth is her confidence is what made me into the brave person I am today. She had an incredibly strong-willed personality that will always live forever through us. She was always there to cheer you up when you were upset. She was always trying to fix everyone else’s problems, often putting others that she adored before herself.”

Zack Bock, Dee’s son, said it was difficult to come up with one story that could describe his mother because she did so much. “She was a fighter. She fought for everybody. She fought for anybody she came in contact with, but she fought for her kids more than anything else.” Zack described his mother as the biggest supporter of those she loved. “She always had a way of finding something in you that you didn’t see in yourself. She made you able to do something you didn’t know you could do.”

Gregg Hardy is Dee’s brother. He was 19 years old when she was born. Through the years, he often jokingly referred to Dee as his older sister. Gregg has tirelessly fought to get justice for Dee since she disappeared three years ago. He wrote a poem and read it aloud. Afterward, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

My Little Sis

A hot and muggy July day,

And there you were,

My little sis.

A college bum,

With a little baby sis,

Who could imagine this?

Mom and Dad love you so,

You’re with them now,

That we know.

Party girl you were,

You loved a good time

With your friends for sure.

Pissed at me so many times,

And hugged me so many more.

My little sis I will always adore.

This is your day, my little sis.

Just look at all your family and friends.

You would be so proud of this.

So cheers to you,

My little sis,

Who we will always really miss.

And “Justice for Dee”

Is my promise,

To my little sis.

Jackie Harris, friend of the family, marveled at the way Dee juggled her business and motherhood while still going the extra mile to nurture everyone in her path. While motherhood is very hard, Jackie said, “Dee never made it seem that way. Dee looked like a million dollars every day, she put her family above all else and everybody knew that. She was always in the kitchen cooking … at the office she was strong, and she was efficient.” Jackie stressed that everything Dee did, she did with love for those around her.

Amy Alexander, Dee’s friend and family member, told me, “Dee was the person I turned to when I had a problem, and she would drop everything – every time. When she loved you, she LOVED you. I was one of the lucky ones to have had her in my life. I’ll forever miss being called Doll. She called everyone Doll, but she did it in a way that made you feel special. I’ll always carry those memories with me.”

Kathryn Adams, life-long friend of Dee’s, remembers how Dee helped her adopt her daughter, Amy. It was an arduous process that took over five years. “Dee stood by me every step of the way. She was like that with everyone. If she was close to you, and you had a problem, then she was like, ‘We’re going to war.’ She was a mom to so many of us. Her celebration of life was lovely. Everyone who spoke truly captured who Dee was,” said Kathryn.

Stephanie Volke, Dee’s friend, said today, “Yesterday was a beautiful day for a beautiful person. Dee was an amazing human being. She loved her family and friends like no other. I have never met a friend as selfless and caring as Dee and I consider myself pretty blessed to have had her in my life. She made such an impact on me. Yesterday, her heart was truly portrayed in all the stories and heartfelt speeches. She deserved a whole day dedicated to her. I strive to be a least half the woman she was! To give and love like her will keep her memory alive.”

Yesterday, Dee’s loved ones focused on the life she lived instead of the way she died. Parker Hardy said, “Out of every disaster, something truly wonderful comes out of it most of the time. You just have to look for it. While this journey has been anything but easy, we have met some of the world’s finest people and made friends that will last the rest of our lives.”

Pastor Hickman said, “No one had to tell God that Dee had been killed. Her blood cried out and we serve a God of justice who will take care of this situation. It’s just a matter of time.”

Dee’s husband, Dale Warner, has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence. The preliminary exam is scheduled for May 1 – 3, 2024, in the Lenawee County Circuit Court in Adrian. For all the latest updates, join the Justice for Dee Facebook page.

Dee’s family and friends are very grateful for the public’s continued support and prayers.