Diane Hess

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Diane Cecilia (Lyonais) Hess, beloved mother, Grammie, aunt, and dear friend, died on December 25, 2025, in Carthage, Missouri. She was 90 years old. Diane was born on February 25, 1935, in Williston, North Dakota to Philip and Lucile Lyonais. In 1943, she moved with her family to Renton, Washington, where she attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and later graduated from Renton High School in 1953.

Diane was a remarkable woman, known for her unwavering faith, deep compassion, and strong devotion to family. Her Catholic faith guided her life and shaped the values she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren. She dedicated herself to nurturing those around her, leaving a profound and lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Throughout her life, Diane created countless cherished memories with her family—from joyful summer visits that filled her home with laughter and warmth, to long road trips where she shared lessons of faith, love, and life. She was determined, intelligent, self-sufficient, fiercely independent while also embracing her role as matriarch, confidante, and friend. She instilled in her grandchildren the importance of family, faith, and meaningful connections, values that continue to guide their lives today.

Diane’s warmth and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by her spirited presence. She had a lifelong love of music, dance, love of God, and scrabble and was always impeccably dressed, often adorned in her finest outfits and hats. Her grace, joy, and sense of style were reflections of her vibrant spirit.

Diane is survived by her loving children, daughters, Jodi (Schlup) and Kendra (Sanders), and sons, Brad, Kurtis, and Noel; her brother, David; sister, Marlene; a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended cousins, nieces and nephews.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Lucile; eight of her siblings, Barbara, Carole (Meyers), Leslie (Storey), Jean (Peretti), Phil, Richard (Dick), Steve, and Lynne (Lake); son, Toby; and grandson, Philip. The family finds great comfort in knowing that Diane is now at peace, celebrating eternal life in heaven joining God on Christmas Day—the birthday of Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served so faithfully.

In honoring Diane’s memory, the family encourages all who knew her to carry forward her spirit of love, kindness, and joy, rooted deeply in her faith in God. She walked her life guided by that faith, and we walk alongside her still—uplifted by the love she gave so freely. She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she loved.

Rosary service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Visitation will follow until 8:00 PM. 

Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Father Sanoop Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kent, Washington at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Pierce City, Missouri. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
—John 11:25-26

Rest in Peace, "Grammie, Lady Diane." You are forever in our hearts.