Diana Kay Pickens

Diana Kay Pickens, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Kirksville, Missouri, with her children by her side. Born on September 7, 1946, in Bloomington, IL Diana’s life was marked by love, dedication, hard work and a deep connection to family and community.

Diana grew up on a farm where she and her two sisters learned the value of hard work milking cows, a humble beginning that shaped her generous and caring nature. She graduated from Queen City High School in 1964 and obtained her cosmetology license in January of 1965. She then married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Pickens, in July of 1965. A change in vocation culminated with 30 years of employment with Hollisters Inc, when she retired due to a decline in her health. Following her retirement, as her health allowed, she remained active and engaged by volunteering in elections as a poll worker and with AT Still and their standardized patient program.

Diana’s home was a haven of creativity and warmth. An avid quilter, she treasured her time with the quilting guild at Mary Immaculate, delighting in sewing gifts for those she loved. Her passion for plants and gardening brought beauty and life into her surroundings. Diana’s culinary talents were equally cherished; she loved to cook and bake, generously sharing her skills and perfecting the family’s favorite, strawberry rhubarb pie. She also very much enjoyed making and sharing goodies for special events at Rhonda’s office and was always ready and willing to lend a hand where needed.

Family was Diana’s greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment and she was their biggest cheerleader. She was a constant source of encouragement, her loving support a steady beacon to all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Stanley; daughter Rhonda (Russell) Noe; son Mark (Monica) Pickens; sister Beth Lindquist; grandchildren Roy (Rachel) Noe, Regan (Dan) Hargrave, Ross (Caitlin) Noe, Mallory (Carter) Knuckles, Meredith (Preston) Keisker, and Matthew Pickens. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Makenzie, Everly, Oakley, Sadie, Josie, Bridger, Colter, Lainey, Olivia, Grant, Jackson, and Deacon. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all she loved, including her longtime friends and extended family, with whom she shared countless moments of joy and companionship.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents John Gerald and Myrtle (Cross) Losey, and her twin sister Donna Dittmer.

Diana’s passing leaves a profound void, yet through the laughter she inspired, the warmth she shared, the beautiful quilts, Christmas stockings, and memories left behind, Diana’s spirit remains ever present. She never gave up and was resilient until the end, always saying, “maybe tomorrow will be a better day”. Her legacy of love, kindness, and care continues to live on in the hearts of her family and community.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Playle Rimer Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 2100 E Shepherd Ave, Kirksville, MO 63501. Following visitation, a funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the same location, with interment to follow at Park View Memorial Gardens. Family, friends, and all who knew Diana are invited to join in celebrating a life that touched so many with love and grace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left to the funeral home, Playle Rimer Millard Family Funeral Chapel, and will be used for an educational fund for Diana’s great-grandchildren.