Diann Goodyear was born on October 2, 1956 to Joan & Duane Garrett, joining her older brother Gordon, and later celebrating the completion of their family with her brother Blaine (although when Blaine married Janet, that was probably the best addition!). They all grew up together in Russell, KS.
Diann met the new boy who moved in next door in 1970. She and Ken attended K-State together and later married in 1976. The salient facts are as follows, their children were born in 1978 (Erica Krzykowski), 1980 (Phillip Goodyear), 1982 (Melissa Nickel) and 1984 (Angela Strahm). So, everyone in the family is on an even year and important events are 2 years apart. This makes birthdays and anniversaries easier to remember!
Diann loved beauty and had creative giftings seldom restricted by practicality. She sewed, painted, quilted, decorated and stitched amazing works of art. She passed that skill on to at least 2 of her 4 children (anyone who knows her family can make assumptions as to which ones they are).
Diann loved her children fiercely and adored her 13 grandchildren, currently ages three to twenty-three. Amazingly enough, the rules that governed her children’s lives were never to be used in relation to her grandchildren!
Diann became ill with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) approximately 6 years ago. She persevered and continued to express herself through beautiful projects and spending quality time with Ken, her children and grandchildren. Diann loved Jesus and had complete confidence about going to heaven. It was our privilege (and sometimes challenge) to care for our wife/mom for the last 6 years. She was well loved and will be very missed.
Diann’s family will greet friends during a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. Saturday November 5, 2023 at Faith Manhattan Church, 1921 Barnes Road in Manhattan. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday November 5, 2023 at the Faith Manhattan Church. Following the service, a reception will be held and Diann will be laid to rest at the Ashland Cemetery, south of Manhattan, at 12:30p.m. Saturday.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with arrangements.