Diane D. Washburn

Age 66 of Morris, Illinois, passed away gracefully, following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, on Tuesday evening August 22, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.

Born June 29, 1957 in Morris, Diane Dolores was a daughter of Norman and Rose Edith (Vogel) Ziegler. She was raised in Morris; attended Morris High School, where she was involved with the Prisms, and graduated with the Class of 1975.  She attended Joliet Junior College, and went on to make her career with the Morris Daily Herald for 33 ½ years.

Diane was an active and devoted member of First Christian Church in Morris, where she assisted in the nursery; she cherished being a part of the Meal Ministry for Families in Crisis; participated and volunteered for the Morris Cruise Night, and belonged to the Morris Country Club.

One who loved to remain active, Diane played pickleball and enjoyed being a part of her yoga group, the Ladies of Yoga Island. Together with this group they were able to spread love through helping worthy causes, even throughout the pandemic. Diane loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed gathering together with friends for Kringla parties; hosting cookouts and coordinating their annual pig roast. She also valued the simple moments of spending time on the swing with Mark and taking ‘Sunday Funday’ hotrod drives.

Great times were had through vast travels, and Diane’s heart was full when traveling with family and being with her grandsons. Whether it be to Pigeon Forge, Mexico, Hawaii, Branson, Grand Cayman, Las Vegas or snowmobile trips during the winter months, a priceless collection of memories were made, and will forever be cherished.

Above all, family was of utmost importance to Diane. Nothing gave her greater joy than sharing a meal with those she loved, and being together during special times such as the holidays.

Remembered as a fun and happy soul, Diane leaves a legacy of being a caring and loving person. Where her kindness impacted so many, may her memory continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving husband, Mark Washburn, whom she married October 25, 2003; one daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Chase Olson of Morris; two grandsons, Cody and Evan Olson; one brother, Ronald Ziegler of Morris; two sisters: Pamela (John) McNabb of Morris and Angela (William) Walsh of Verona, Illinois; nieces and nephews: Brenda (Jeff) Edwards, Tim (Jerri) Ziegler, Chris Ziegler (fiancée – Jillian), John Jr. (Alana) McNabb, Aaron (Addie) McNabb, Sarah (Cecil Cicirello) McNabb, Pete (Mandi) McNabb and Abby (John) Savoree; numerous great nieces and great nephews; her aunt, Dolores Schoenhoff of Effingham, Illinois; sister-in-law, Gayle (Rich) Winsor and brother-in-law, Dick Washburn, both of Arkansas; her former husband and the father of her daughter, Timothy Airney of Channahon, Illinois and numerous cousins, as well as friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters-in-law: Janet Ziegler and Helen Washburn.

Visitation will be held at First Christian Church, 455 W. Southmor Road in Morris on Sunday, August 27, 2023 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow at First Christian Church on Monday morning, August 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Scott Zorn will officiate, and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Morris.

Pallbearers will be: Chase Olson, Ron Ziegler, Bruce Erickson, Rance Welsh, Herb Wyeth, Lee Fatlan, Bob Steele, and Denny Peters.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Diane’s memory to Grundy Community Lending Closet; First Christian Church of Morris or Meal Ministry for Families in Crisis.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Diane’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)