Diane Kelling Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Diane Kelling

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dianna Kay Kelling, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished friend. She passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength.

Born on July 8, 1947, in Marshalltown, IA, Diane grew up on a farm near State Center, where she learned the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family. She graduated from West Marshall High School and began her career at the Times Republican newspaper as secretary to the editor before moving on to Lennox, where she worked as an assistant in the engineering department. Later, Diane worked in insurance and real estate in the Marshalltown area, and she also made a lasting impact working with high-risk students at Marshalltown High School.

In Marshalltown, on July 4, 1966, Diane met the love of her life, Ron Kelling. They were married just a few months later, on November 12, 1966, and built a life full of love, family, and unforgettable experiences for 58 years.

As a devoted mother to Jenny, Jason, and Jeff, Diane was their biggest cheerleader, attending every sporting event, dance competition and special events for her children and grandchildren. Her cherished grandchildren, Auston Kelling, Cloe Kelling, McKenna Yordy, Preston Kelling, Caden Kelling, Alyssa Yordy, Kota Sawyer, Dawson Sawyer were fortunate to experience her boundless love and devotion, creating treasured memories with her and always knowing how deeply they were loved.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ron; her children, Jenny (Eric) of Ankeny, Jason (Chelle) of Laurel, and Jeff (Casey) of Osage Beach, MO; her six beloved grandchildren; her two sisters, Cherryl (Mike) Woltjerof Marshalltown and Janette (Tom) Dessel of Rhodes; many special nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her nephew, Dustin Hofert, her mother and stepfather Betty and Charles Hayne, and her father, George Wildeboer.

A visitation will be held on March 11, 2025, from 5–7 pm at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd) with a service to honor and celebrate Diane’s life on March 12, 2025, 10 am at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny (520 NW 36th St).

The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice and the CopperWood Senior Living Memory Care staff for their amazing care during Diane’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a GoFundMe memorial page to support the important and amazing work of St Croix hospice. https://gofund.me/22522165

Though we grieve her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is with her mom now, the love she shared for everyone and the beautiful memories she leaves behind.

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