Diane MacLaughlin

(From Cedar Vale Funeral Home)

Diane DeMier MacLaughlin, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Diane will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart, love for her family, and the twinkle in her eyes that brought comfort and happiness to all who knew her. 

Adored by all, she was compassionate and caring with a positive outlook on life while at the same time she was supportive and wise with sage advice on all matters, no matter how big or small. She loved to have interesting conversations and had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and at ease in her presence. She was a lifelong sports fan and loved cheering for her beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.

 

Born August 18, 1933, to Opal Leo DeMier and Dorothy Buelah Demier in Joplin, MO, Diane graduated from Joplin High School in 1951, attended Monticello College, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1954, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society in Education. Diane graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. 

Diane met her husband of 69 years, James C. MacLaughlin of Hot Springs, AR at the University of Arkansas, and they married shortly after her graduation. Diane was a dedicated volunteer teacher where she served at the Joplin Cerebral Palsy Center and the Special Needs Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin, MO until she moved to Hot Springs Village, AR in 1995. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin, and an honored 50-year recipient and lifelong member of the Joplin Chapter GA, P.E.O. sisterhood.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Opal L. and Dorothy B. DeMier, her brother Thomas C. DeMier and grandson Gabriel Christian Murdock.

 

She is survived by her husband, James C. MacLaughlin, Hot Springs Village, daughter Marcia Lyn Murdock, Hot Springs Village, son James C. MacLaughlin (Traci) Atlanta, Thomas R. MacLaughlin (Lynn), Ft. Lauderdale; grandchildren Tyler J. MacLaughlin (Krista), Atlanta, Madison L. Gaydon (Matthew) Atlanta, brother Dick DeMier (Karen), Joplin; and their extended families.

A dear and kind soul who made our lives brighter and happier, “Diane, Mom, Momo” will be sorely missed. A small private service will be held June 7, 2024, at 3:00 PM at CedarVale Funeral Home, 200 Minorca Rd, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909, https://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com