Diane Louise (McKean) Bailey, age 70, of Mansfield, died peacefully Wednesday, February 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her home. Her death follows a courageous battle with cancer since 2022.
Diane was born September 7, 1954 in Polk, Ohio, the daughter of the late George Leroy and Donna Louise (Witmer) McKean. After graduating from Crestview High School in 1973, Diane proudly served her country in the United States Army as a medic in Belgium. Diane graduated from North Central Technical College from where she earned an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Her career as a respiratory therapist and cardiopulmonary technician brought her great joy and fulfillment. It allowed her to display her genuine care for others while also giving an outlet for her to make others feel at ease through her fun loving and prankster personality. After 38 years of service, Diane retired from Ashland Samaritan Hospital.
Family was everything to Diane. She loved to read – anything from Stephen King to John Patterson. She enjoyed vacationing to places like West Virginia, Mississippi, the Outer Banks, and anywhere near the ocean or Lake Erie. Marblehead always holding a special place in her heart. Shopping was also a highlight in Diane’s life. She was a lover of cats, especially her special feline friend, Snoopy, who stayed by her side until the end.
On December 14, 1985 Diane married Johnny Bailey, who survives along with their children: Ben (Kristen) Beauford, Tyjanna (Keith) Lehman, and Dustin Bailey; grandchildren: Kelsey, Katelynn, Benji, Kristina, Elijah, Madison, Kennedy, Luke, and Dalton; great-grandchildren: Alani and Iris; sisters: Sue (Bob) Dupré and Jan (Rex) Kuhn; sister in law: Sonnie McKean; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her stepfather: Robert Kuhn; and brother: George McKean.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where military honors will be conducted at the beginning of visitation at 1pm by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders in care of Akron Children’s Hospital (give.akronchildrens.org/donate).
Condolences may be left on Diane’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com