Diane Ouellette

Diane Raye Ouellette passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on March 31, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. 

Visitation is Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m.

A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 8, 2024 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington.

Burial will be in Washington City Cemetery.

Diane was born on November 22, 1945, in Horton, Kansas to Roy and Delores Jean (Soder) Shelley. She graduated from Fairbury High School, Fairbury, Nebraska in 1963.

She married Larry Ouellette March 19, 1971, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Together they raised seven children Robin, Denise, Donna, Nicole, Heather, Fallon and Quentin. Diane loved the family they created.

She dedicated her life to the food service industry operating as an owner and operator of the Longhorn and later the Swirly Top. Many memories were made at these establishments where Diane greeted her customers with a contagious smile and always had time to listen and give a little friendly advice. After they sold the business, Diane became a cook at the Washington County Hospital for 17 years, retiring December 31, 2023. She brought much joy to many patients and staff during her time there. Her flexible schedule allowed her time to enjoy the activities of her grandchildren.

She loved Elvis Presley and was known to make up her own verses to familiar tunes. She was an avid reader, enjoyed embroidery and loved to bake. She was known best for her zucchini bread.

Diane enjoyed serving others and will be remembered for her love of family and as a hard worker with a big smile, a loud joyful laugh, and her friendly conversations.

Preceding her in death were her parents; infant grandson Jase Gepner; infant great-granddaughter Kyree Jo Tiemeyer and her beloved dog, Jet.

Survivors include her children Robin (Scott) Sawin, Denise (Richard) Powell, Nicole Ouellette, Heather (Eric) Gepner and Fallon (Jeremy) Craig, all of Washington; and Donna (Clint) Eubanks and Quentin Ouellette, both of Topeka; grandchildren Brandi Cole, Jamie Tiemeyer, Taylor Miller, Thad and Amanda Powell, Kaden and Adyson Ping, Josephine Eubanks, Cheyanne, Dakota and Kealey Helms; Konner, Macie, Camden and Barrett Gepner; Grayson and Ashtyn Votipka, Daniel, Racheal and Ruth Craig; great-grandchildren Carter and Collin Cole, Henley, Emory and Charlie Tiemeyer, Kalen and Taytum Miller, Peyton Powell and Lane Brees; brother Roy Shelley, Sierra Vista, Arizona; nieces Tonya and Samantha Shelley and nephews John and Tim Shelley.

A memorial fund is established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of  Ward Funeral Home, Washington.

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