Diane L. Campbell
March 1, 1946 - October 18, 2019
Born in Covington, Kentucky
Resided in Blue Ash, Ohio
A strong and beautiful woman, Diane L. Campbell (nee Bechmann) of Blue Ash, passed away on Friday October 18, 2019, with her husband John and daughter Dawn holding her hands, and her near-daughter Dottie sitting at the foot of her bed. She held a picture in her left hand, closet to her heart, of her grandsons Jacob and Alex, who she loved more than life itself. Born on March 1, 1946 to the late Matilda and William J. Bechmann of Covington, she was 73 years young.
Visitation for Diane will be at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home (129 Riverside Dr, Loveland, OH 45140) on Thursday October 24th from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m. with a rememberance service beginning at 11 a.m., then procession to Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason for interment. Consider wearing blue, Diane's favorite color, in her honor. She didn't like for a single plant or flower to be wasted, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash (hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate) or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). If you choose to send flowers, these will be shared after the services with patients who may need a little cheer.
Her Survivors
Diane is survived by her one-and-only sweetheart and husband of 55 short years, John L. Campbell; her daughter and friend Dawn Campbell Giesman and son-not-just-in-law Robert; and her “precious” grandsons Jacob and Alex Giesman who she would have done anything for. She was also the beloved “second mother” to her “Eastgate Kids” Anita Bechmann, Tim (Tina) Bechmann, Dottie (Ray) Coffey, Barbie (Dick) Brown, and dear friends who were like daughters, Nicole Kellner (Steve) Swick and Missy Sherman.
With Diane and John both children of large families, and leaving an impact on many friends, there are far too many names to list. But following is an abbreviated version. The baby of her family, Diane is preceded in death by all her siblings, who most certainly are celebrating her arrival: Dr. Bill Bechmann - who as a girl, Diane wanted to become a nurse to work for her eldest brother's practice; Marilyn (Mose) Moses - her older sister who she enjoyed as a friend in recent years, Ronnie (Anette) Bechmann - who lived close and shared holidays when their kids were young, and Paul (Patty) Bechmann - the father of her “Eastgate Kids” and the brother closest in age who she adored, looking up to him as they walked to and from school as children, treasuring memories of having Snicker’s picnics, spending hours fishing on Lake Isabell, dancing together at her daughter’s wedding, and caring for him when his time with us was winding down, much as his kids loved and supported her in recent years, and especially months.
She was a sister-in-law to the late Dorothy Baisden, Ed (Esther) Campbell, Ida (Bill) Bond, Annie (George) Roush, Dodie (John) Scales, and Mary Helen Campbell. She also proudly held the role of doting aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.
She treasured her years-long friendships with Sandy Patrick and fiancé Kevin Wurm both of whom she and John worked with for years at Trader’s World (her Happy Place) after Diane closed her own booth selling perennials divded with care and grown from love from her yard. With 17 years of weekends during March through end of the seaons, she made many friends and loved every moment. She also treasured her high school and lifelong friend Judie Voss Boughner (half of Diane's "Mutt and Jeff" duo, and the glue that held the La Sallet Academy high school friendships together through the last 60 years), and the rest of her dear friends from LSA with whom she loved reiniscing over monthly lunches (when she could get out of work to join) - Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, and Marie Halpin.
Her Story
Diane was born in a leap year, but chose to make her debut on Friday, March 1, 1946. She was the baby with three brothers (Bill, Ronnie and Paul) and a sister (Marilyn), all kids to Matilda (nee Bryant) and William J Bechmann of Covington. While things may have been tough — her mom suffered from pernicious anemia and money was usually tight — she focused on the good memories from her childhood. She treasured walking to grade school with her brother Paul, sneaking away for a picnic and splitting a Snicker's Bar. As a kid, her oldest brother Bill went to college to become a doctor, and Diane wanted nothing more than to become a nurse and work in his practice. The middle brother Ronnie used to take Diane with him on his dates to enjoy a movie or go to the soda jerk. As a teen, she attended LaSalette Academy in Covington, where she excelled at science and English. There she met her lifelong friend Judie Voss, and they played volleyball together. With Judie among the tallest on the team and Diane one of the shortest, they were called "Mutt and Jeff". She also forged lifelong friendships with Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, Marie Halpin, and Patty Lampert.
At age 16, Diane was a sub in bowling with her brother Paul and his true love Patricia. A Navy vet, John Campbell, originally of Springfield, Ohio and living in Cincinnati, was also a sub for his sister Dodie and her husband. When John set eyes on Diane in her turquoise blue jumpsuit, he knew he had to meet her. But when he found out she was just 16 (he is seven years older), he ended up leaving without saying a word. Sure enough, the following year, both Diane and John were subs at bowling again. And Diane coincidentally was wearing the same blue jumpsuit, so was easy to spot. Since Diane was 17, this time John, who was a bit shy his whole life, mustered up the courage to speak to her and the love was sparked. Diane fell in love with John, grew in love with John, and was still very much in love with John. She adored him, and he doted on her, then and throughout their lives together.
After just a few weeks, though not in shotgun wedding style, John asked Diane's father for permission to ask Diane to marry him. Since she was still in high school and the nuns frowned upon the engagement of young sweethearts, each morning Diane would stop at the gate outside of the school and put her engagement ring in her pocket. It went right back on her finger after school each day. Diane and John were married just weeks after Diane's graduation. Always a planner, Diane had budgeted their money carefully for furniture for their new apartment home. But she scrambled a bit when she found out John had spend a good portion of it on her wedding bands. It worked out just fine, with the bedroom set they purchased with what they had left still in their home today. At the rehearsal the night before their wedding, Diane realized she forgot to get John a wedding band! So she hustled out and found a $10 steel band...which he wears to this day, a testament that money can't buy everything, but love sure does conquer all.
Despite it being a day to celebrate independence, Diane and John exchanged vows on Saturday, July 4, 1964. John was the first boy she kissed, and truly the love of her life. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past July. After a few years in an apartment, Diane and John bought their first and only home in 1970 on Raven Lane in Blue Ash. Through the years, they finished the basement, built a covered patio, and transformed the yard into a peaceful space surrounded by hundreds of perennials. And squirrels, and neighborhood cats, and birds, all of whom she would feed. It's no surprise that Diane said she and John would come back as turtle doves, who choose their mate for life just as they did.
The only other love affairs she had were for Goetta, a good German Potato salad, green beans simmered with ham hocks, coconut caramel haystacks, seven-layer salad, fresh breads and pecan rolls.
Eventually John and Diane wanted someone else to torment besides each other, and adopted their only daughter Dawn when she was four months old. The news that she was getting baby girl came for Diane's birthday in 1975, and shortly after she and John were holding the little girl "with blonde hair sticking straight up like dandelion". Both Diane and John spoiled their daughter, making many wonderful memories. Diane was usually nearby wherever Dawn was, so volunteered as homeroom mother throughout Dawn's grade school years (much to Dawn's chagrin as a pre-teen), and Girl Scout co-leader with her friend Robin Morris. She worked many festivals at St. Saviour in Deer Park, and volunteered for just about any opportunity with the school.
John and Diane bought a van and converted it themselves into a camper, which they dubbed the "Dawn Buggy". To Dawn's dismay, they had a spare tire cover displayed with this name on the back of the van. Many miles and memories were driven in the navy blue camper van on its way out west to the Grand Canyon, to camping near Disney World in Orlando, to East Coast beaches, to Gatlinburg for Girl Scouts, and to many other campsites and travels through the years.
While Dawn was away at college she learned how to not be a mean teenager, and she and Diane became friends instead of just mother and daughter. In addition to stray cats that Dawn rehomed with her mom, Diane readily took in Dawn's college best friend, Nicole, during a six-week school break. During the time, Diane ran Dawn, Nicole and their friend Melissa Scutt Longo around to their seasonal jobs, kept them well fed, and grew to have Nicole as a "daughter from another mother". She even humored the girls by agreeing to try and glass of wine with them, and the girls learned why Diane, a true lightweight with alcohol, avoided it. She was as giddy and silly as a little schoolgirl that night!
Near the end of college, Dawn met Robert Giesman, who she would marry and give Diane and John the son they never had. Dawn and Rob were married on July 4, 1999, Diane and John's anniversary. The newleyweds surprised Diane and John with a vow renewal for their 35th anniversary at their wedding reception. Diane and John were itching to become grandparents, but Dawn and Rob made them wait about 5 years. When Jacob was born on St. Patrick's Day in 2004 (her brother Ronnie's birthday), they felt as much love as the day they brought Dawn home. Four years later, Alex was born as a belated birthday present for John. From the moment they held Alex, they learned that there was plenty of love in their heart for two grandsons. Jacob and Alex were their world, and grandma and grandpa took every opportunity to spoil them, love on them, take them to the park, the zoo, their friend Myra's farm, fishing, or to their house to play. A grandma has never loved two grandkids as much as Diane loved both of her gandbabies.
Diane spent many hours in her yard, planting, weeding, and tending to flowers, succulents, and hostas. Her passion was rewarded when she was named a Beautification Award winner by the City of Blue Ash. She didn't realize it then, but her love of growing plants would eventually turn into a small business. She began transplanting her perennials into hundreds of gallon pots, then would take them to Trader's World to sell in warm weather weekends. Even as recent as this summer, folks would stop by and comment that her plants were still growing strong in their yards. The opened their booth in 2002 and sold plants for more than 10 years. When it became too much hassle to load and unload their plants, they began working for another gardener, Trey selling his plants. After a few years, Trey closed his both and Diane and John were quickly recruited to work for Sandy, who sold memorial flowers and cornhole sets, and Kevin who sold RV parts. Since Kevin and Sandy's booth shared a wall, it was common for John to knock (three times!) on the adjoining wall to get Diane to hustle over. The two couples worked hard, but also spent hours teasing, joking and pranking each other, making the weekends of work fly by. Her daughter and grandsons would come up most weekends to visit since seeing Grandma and Grandpa every day after school (and work) didn't seem like enough.
Diane was always busy. Always. Even when there was idle time she would find something to do. She went at everything "like she was killing snakes". Diane excelled at homestyle cooking, baking her famous and often-requested cheesecakes and numerous delicious desserts, making the gooiest Rice Krispies treats ever, sewing everything from baby blankets to give to a new mom that she loved to matching outfits for her and her daughter to reupholstered furniture, mending torn clothes and sad hearts, living within her means, caring for every stray cat and squirrel that came near her house, being a homemaker with floors so clean you could eat off of them, transforming her small yard into a lush nursery filled with flowers and perennials, sharing sprouts carefully tended and transplanted from her garden by the "plant lady", appreciating her blessings and celebrating the small moments, and showing immense love for those around her. She appreciated the little things and lived in the moment. She never shied from letting you know she cared about you and would do just about anything for the people she loved. Diane took extreme pride in her relationship with John, her daughter and Rob, and Jacob and Alex, tormenting those around her with story and after story about them.
She was a caregiver, a nurse, at heart. Her daughter would say "mom worries enough for everyone that none of the rest of us have to". She cared for her mom when she was young and her mom was sick for many years, then later her aging dad. Her brother Ronnie's unexpected death devastated her. She cared for her second-mother Aunt Marie, who she fondly remembered sitting with as a teenageer and sneaking pieces of candy or laughing over Graeter's double butter coffee cake. She later cared for her Aunt's husband, Uncle Bill Remke. She and her sister-in-law Ida cared for Ida and John's Aunt Faye in her last couple of years. Then she took turns with her brother Paul's kids to care for him while he fought cancer. She spent hours with her sister-in-law Ida in the nursing home, and with her own sister Marilyn. She never wanted a thing in return, just wanted to make sure the people she loved were well cared for. And with her, they always were.
When there was no one sick to care for, she spent countless hours loving and doting on her daughter and son-in-law, her precious grandsons Jacob and Alex who she loved with all her heart, her brother Paul's four adult kids and their families (especially Courtney and Adam, and little Natalie who mom was able to hold just before she passed, Bobbi Jo and Jeff with their adorable boys Bennett and Levi who she got to hug in the past few weeks, Tim Jr., Zach, Crystal and Jeff, and Joey and Jayden whose prayers helped her enjoy these past many months and continue to shower all of us with her love). She adored seeing you raise your families, and welcoming each new spouse, and "sniffing off all the freshness" of each new baby. She treasured the Christmas's with all of you - the stories and hugs and laughter and amazing food. She jokingly dreaded the White Elephant exchange as we never knew how embarassing or akward the gift may be, or if she would be stuck going home with the infamous Fung Shei!
As her lungs grew weaker these past months, her heart grew increasingly stronger. She was so grateful for every day she spent with all those she loved. John didn't leave her side. Dawn didn't like to leave for long.
She deeply appreciated the care of Dr. Mark Andolina, his nurse practicioners Regina and Kelly, and the rest of the staff. When she was admitted to Bethesda North on September 23, she spent 24 days under the care of some of the most amazing nursing staff she'd ever met. Some who stood out the brightest, and went above and beyond, included Becca A., Kirk W., Joy K., Cecilia K., Akilah S., Melissa M., Melissa W., Krista S., Michael G., Leslie S., Kaitlynn J., Caylyn P., Ali P., Hunter B., and Haley A., and the respiratory team whose names we don't have, but knows who they are. She appreciated the VIP ride to hospice by EMT Patrick and her Chaffeur Joseph. And while she had only a few short hours for her stay at Hospice, we appreciate the care of Jeannie, Michelle and Tiffany who were caring, informative and tenderly compassionate with us in Diane's final hours.
Diane's petite frame chilled easily. She always said she had "cold hands, but a warm heart". Her heart was filled with tremendous warmth, love and joy. She loved watching things grow - flowers, her marriage, her daughter, her grandsons, her "Eastgate Kids" and their families, and her many treasured friendships. She would want you to move quickly past the grief and get on with living life to its fullest just as she lived. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Make her proud. And while doing that, do a little something to brighten someone's day, a kind word, a little act, some extra understanding or patience.
Most importantly, never, ever miss an opportunity to tell or show someone how much you care, just as she did.
Diane (sweetheart, mom, grandma, sister-in-law, sister, favorite aunt and dear friend) we will carry your precious gift of love with us in our heart always, and we will miss you more than words could ever say!
March 1, 1946 - October 18, 2019
Born in Covington, Kentucky
Resided in Blue Ash, Ohio
A strong and beautiful woman, Diane L. Campbell (nee Bechmann) of Blue Ash, passed away on Friday October 18, 2019, with her husband John and daughter Dawn holding her hands, and her near-daughter Dottie sitting at the foot of her bed. She held a picture in her left hand, closet to her heart, of her grandsons Jacob and Alex, who she loved more than life itself. Born on March 1, 1946 to the late Matilda and William J. Bechmann of Covington, she was 73 years young.
Visitation for Diane will be at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home (129 Riverside Dr, Loveland, OH 45140) on Thursday October 24th from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m. with a rememberance service beginning at 11 a.m., then procession to Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason for interment. Consider wearing blue, Diane's favorite color, in her honor. She didn't like for a single plant or flower to be wasted, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash (hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate) or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). If you choose to send flowers, these will be shared after the services with patients who may need a little cheer.
Her Survivors
Diane is survived by her one-and-only sweetheart and husband of 55 short years, John L. Campbell; her daughter and friend Dawn Campbell Giesman and son-not-just-in-law Robert; and her “precious” grandsons Jacob and Alex Giesman who she would have done anything for. She was also the beloved “second mother” to her “Eastgate Kids” Anita Bechmann, Tim (Tina) Bechmann, Dottie (Ray) Coffey, Barbie (Dick) Brown, and dear friends who were like daughters, Nicole Kellner (Steve) Swick and Missy Sherman.
With Diane and John both children of large families, and leaving an impact on many friends, there are far too many names to list. But following is an abbreviated version. The baby of her family, Diane is preceded in death by all her siblings, who most certainly are celebrating her arrival: Dr. Bill Bechmann - who as a girl, Diane wanted to become a nurse to work for her eldest brother's practice; Marilyn (Mose) Moses - her older sister who she enjoyed as a friend in recent years, Ronnie (Anette) Bechmann - who lived close and shared holidays when their kids were young, and Paul (Patty) Bechmann - the father of her “Eastgate Kids” and the brother closest in age who she adored, looking up to him as they walked to and from school as children, treasuring memories of having Snicker’s picnics, spending hours fishing on Lake Isabell, dancing together at her daughter’s wedding, and caring for him when his time with us was winding down, much as his kids loved and supported her in recent years, and especially months.
She was a sister-in-law to the late Dorothy Baisden, Ed (Esther) Campbell, Ida (Bill) Bond, Annie (George) Roush, Dodie (John) Scales, and Mary Helen Campbell. She also proudly held the role of doting aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.
She treasured her years-long friendships with Sandy Patrick and fiancé Kevin Wurm both of whom she and John worked with for years at Trader’s World (her Happy Place) after Diane closed her own booth selling perennials divded with care and grown from love from her yard. With 17 years of weekends during March through end of the seaons, she made many friends and loved every moment. She also treasured her high school and lifelong friend Judie Voss Boughner (half of Diane's "Mutt and Jeff" duo, and the glue that held the La Sallet Academy high school friendships together through the last 60 years), and the rest of her dear friends from LSA with whom she loved reiniscing over monthly lunches (when she could get out of work to join) - Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, and Marie Halpin.
Her Story
Diane was born in a leap year, but chose to make her debut on Friday, March 1, 1946. She was the baby with three brothers (Bill, Ronnie and Paul) and a sister (Marilyn), all kids to Matilda (nee Bryant) and William J Bechmann of Covington. While things may have been tough — her mom suffered from pernicious anemia and money was usually tight — she focused on the good memories from her childhood. She treasured walking to grade school with her brother Paul, sneaking away for a picnic and splitting a Snicker's Bar. As a kid, her oldest brother Bill went to college to become a doctor, and Diane wanted nothing more than to become a nurse and work in his practice. The middle brother Ronnie used to take Diane with him on his dates to enjoy a movie or go to the soda jerk. As a teen, she attended LaSalette Academy in Covington, where she excelled at science and English. There she met her lifelong friend Judie Voss, and they played volleyball together. With Judie among the tallest on the team and Diane one of the shortest, they were called "Mutt and Jeff". She also forged lifelong friendships with Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, Marie Halpin, and Patty Lampert.
At age 16, Diane was a sub in bowling with her brother Paul and his true love Patricia. A Navy vet, John Campbell, originally of Springfield, Ohio and living in Cincinnati, was also a sub for his sister Dodie and her husband. When John set eyes on Diane in her turquoise blue jumpsuit, he knew he had to meet her. But when he found out she was just 16 (he is seven years older), he ended up leaving without saying a word. Sure enough, the following year, both Diane and John were subs at bowling again. And Diane coincidentally was wearing the same blue jumpsuit, so was easy to spot. Since Diane was 17, this time John, who was a bit shy his whole life, mustered up the courage to speak to her and the love was sparked. Diane fell in love with John, grew in love with John, and was still very much in love with John. She adored him, and he doted on her, then and throughout their lives together.
After just a few weeks, though not in shotgun wedding style, John asked Diane's father for permission to ask Diane to marry him. Since she was still in high school and the nuns frowned upon the engagement of young sweethearts, each morning Diane would stop at the gate outside of the school and put her engagement ring in her pocket. It went right back on her finger after school each day. Diane and John were married just weeks after Diane's graduation. Always a planner, Diane had budgeted their money carefully for furniture for their new apartment home. But she scrambled a bit when she found out John had spend a good portion of it on her wedding bands. It worked out just fine, with the bedroom set they purchased with what they had left still in their home today. At the rehearsal the night before their wedding, Diane realized she forgot to get John a wedding band! So she hustled out and found a $10 steel band...which he wears to this day, a testament that money can't buy everything, but love sure does conquer all.
Despite it being a day to celebrate independence, Diane and John exchanged vows on Saturday, July 4, 1964. John was the first boy she kissed, and truly the love of her life. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past July. After a few years in an apartment, Diane and John bought their first and only home in 1970 on Raven Lane in Blue Ash. Through the years, they finished the basement, built a covered patio, and transformed the yard into a peaceful space surrounded by hundreds of perennials. And squirrels, and neighborhood cats, and birds, all of whom she would feed. It's no surprise that Diane said she and John would come back as turtle doves, who choose their mate for life just as they did.
The only other love affairs she had were for Goetta, a good German Potato salad, green beans simmered with ham hocks, coconut caramel haystacks, seven-layer salad, fresh breads and pecan rolls.
Eventually John and Diane wanted someone else to torment besides each other, and adopted their only daughter Dawn when she was four months old. The news that she was getting baby girl came for Diane's birthday in 1975, and shortly after she and John were holding the little girl "with blonde hair sticking straight up like dandelion". Both Diane and John spoiled their daughter, making many wonderful memories. Diane was usually nearby wherever Dawn was, so volunteered as homeroom mother throughout Dawn's grade school years (much to Dawn's chagrin as a pre-teen), and Girl Scout co-leader with her friend Robin Morris. She worked many festivals at St. Saviour in Deer Park, and volunteered for just about any opportunity with the school.
John and Diane bought a van and converted it themselves into a camper, which they dubbed the "Dawn Buggy". To Dawn's dismay, they had a spare tire cover displayed with this name on the back of the van. Many miles and memories were driven in the navy blue camper van on its way out west to the Grand Canyon, to camping near Disney World in Orlando, to East Coast beaches, to Gatlinburg for Girl Scouts, and to many other campsites and travels through the years.
While Dawn was away at college she learned how to not be a mean teenager, and she and Diane became friends instead of just mother and daughter. In addition to stray cats that Dawn rehomed with her mom, Diane readily took in Dawn's college best friend, Nicole, during a six-week school break. During the time, Diane ran Dawn, Nicole and their friend Melissa Scutt Longo around to their seasonal jobs, kept them well fed, and grew to have Nicole as a "daughter from another mother". She even humored the girls by agreeing to try and glass of wine with them, and the girls learned why Diane, a true lightweight with alcohol, avoided it. She was as giddy and silly as a little schoolgirl that night!
Near the end of college, Dawn met Robert Giesman, who she would marry and give Diane and John the son they never had. Dawn and Rob were married on July 4, 1999, Diane and John's anniversary. The newleyweds surprised Diane and John with a vow renewal for their 35th anniversary at their wedding reception. Diane and John were itching to become grandparents, but Dawn and Rob made them wait about 5 years. When Jacob was born on St. Patrick's Day in 2004 (her brother Ronnie's birthday), they felt as much love as the day they brought Dawn home. Four years later, Alex was born as a belated birthday present for John. From the moment they held Alex, they learned that there was plenty of love in their heart for two grandsons. Jacob and Alex were their world, and grandma and grandpa took every opportunity to spoil them, love on them, take them to the park, the zoo, their friend Myra's farm, fishing, or to their house to play. A grandma has never loved two grandkids as much as Diane loved both of her gandbabies.
Diane spent many hours in her yard, planting, weeding, and tending to flowers, succulents, and hostas. Her passion was rewarded when she was named a Beautification Award winner by the City of Blue Ash. She didn't realize it then, but her love of growing plants would eventually turn into a small business. She began transplanting her perennials into hundreds of gallon pots, then would take them to Trader's World to sell in warm weather weekends. Even as recent as this summer, folks would stop by and comment that her plants were still growing strong in their yards. The opened their booth in 2002 and sold plants for more than 10 years. When it became too much hassle to load and unload their plants, they began working for another gardener, Trey selling his plants. After a few years, Trey closed his both and Diane and John were quickly recruited to work for Sandy, who sold memorial flowers and cornhole sets, and Kevin who sold RV parts. Since Kevin and Sandy's booth shared a wall, it was common for John to knock (three times!) on the adjoining wall to get Diane to hustle over. The two couples worked hard, but also spent hours teasing, joking and pranking each other, making the weekends of work fly by. Her daughter and grandsons would come up most weekends to visit since seeing Grandma and Grandpa every day after school (and work) didn't seem like enough.
Diane was always busy. Always. Even when there was idle time she would find something to do. She went at everything "like she was killing snakes". Diane excelled at homestyle cooking, baking her famous and often-requested cheesecakes and numerous delicious desserts, making the gooiest Rice Krispies treats ever, sewing everything from baby blankets to give to a new mom that she loved to matching outfits for her and her daughter to reupholstered furniture, mending torn clothes and sad hearts, living within her means, caring for every stray cat and squirrel that came near her house, being a homemaker with floors so clean you could eat off of them, transforming her small yard into a lush nursery filled with flowers and perennials, sharing sprouts carefully tended and transplanted from her garden by the "plant lady", appreciating her blessings and celebrating the small moments, and showing immense love for those around her. She appreciated the little things and lived in the moment. She never shied from letting you know she cared about you and would do just about anything for the people she loved. Diane took extreme pride in her relationship with John, her daughter and Rob, and Jacob and Alex, tormenting those around her with story and after story about them.
She was a caregiver, a nurse, at heart. Her daughter would say "mom worries enough for everyone that none of the rest of us have to". She cared for her mom when she was young and her mom was sick for many years, then later her aging dad. Her brother Ronnie's unexpected death devastated her. She cared for her second-mother Aunt Marie, who she fondly remembered sitting with as a teenageer and sneaking pieces of candy or laughing over Graeter's double butter coffee cake. She later cared for her Aunt's husband, Uncle Bill Remke. She and her sister-in-law Ida cared for Ida and John's Aunt Faye in her last couple of years. Then she took turns with her brother Paul's kids to care for him while he fought cancer. She spent hours with her sister-in-law Ida in the nursing home, and with her own sister Marilyn. She never wanted a thing in return, just wanted to make sure the people she loved were well cared for. And with her, they always were.
When there was no one sick to care for, she spent countless hours loving and doting on her daughter and son-in-law, her precious grandsons Jacob and Alex who she loved with all her heart, her brother Paul's four adult kids and their families (especially Courtney and Adam, and little Natalie who mom was able to hold just before she passed, Bobbi Jo and Jeff with their adorable boys Bennett and Levi who she got to hug in the past few weeks, Tim Jr., Zach, Crystal and Jeff, and Joey and Jayden whose prayers helped her enjoy these past many months and continue to shower all of us with her love). She adored seeing you raise your families, and welcoming each new spouse, and "sniffing off all the freshness" of each new baby. She treasured the Christmas's with all of you - the stories and hugs and laughter and amazing food. She jokingly dreaded the White Elephant exchange as we never knew how embarassing or akward the gift may be, or if she would be stuck going home with the infamous Fung Shei!
As her lungs grew weaker these past months, her heart grew increasingly stronger. She was so grateful for every day she spent with all those she loved. John didn't leave her side. Dawn didn't like to leave for long.
She deeply appreciated the care of Dr. Mark Andolina, his nurse practicioners Regina and Kelly, and the rest of the staff. When she was admitted to Bethesda North on September 23, she spent 24 days under the care of some of the most amazing nursing staff she'd ever met. Some who stood out the brightest, and went above and beyond, included Becca A., Kirk W., Joy K., Cecilia K., Akilah S., Melissa M., Melissa W., Krista S., Michael G., Leslie S., Kaitlynn J., Caylyn P., Ali P., Hunter B., and Haley A., and the respiratory team whose names we don't have, but knows who they are. She appreciated the VIP ride to hospice by EMT Patrick and her Chaffeur Joseph. And while she had only a few short hours for her stay at Hospice, we appreciate the care of Jeannie, Michelle and Tiffany who were caring, informative and tenderly compassionate with us in Diane's final hours.
Diane's petite frame chilled easily. She always said she had "cold hands, but a warm heart". Her heart was filled with tremendous warmth, love and joy. She loved watching things grow - flowers, her marriage, her daughter, her grandsons, her "Eastgate Kids" and their families, and her many treasured friendships. She would want you to move quickly past the grief and get on with living life to its fullest just as she lived. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Make her proud. And while doing that, do a little something to brighten someone's day, a kind word, a little act, some extra understanding or patience.
Most importantly, never, ever miss an opportunity to tell or show someone how much you care, just as she did.
Diane (sweetheart, mom, grandma, sister-in-law, sister, favorite aunt and dear friend) we will carry your precious gift of love with us in our heart always, and we will miss you more than words could ever say!
Diane L. Campbell
March 1, 1946 - October 18, 2019
Born in Covington, Kentucky
Resided in Blue Ash, Ohio
A strong and beautiful woman, Diane L. Campbell (nee Bechmann) of Blue Ash, passed away on Friday October 18, 2019, with her husband John and daughter Dawn holding her hands, and her near-daughter Dottie sitting at the foot of her bed. She held a picture in her left hand, closet to her heart, of her grandsons Jacob and Alex, who she loved more than life itself. Born on March 1, 1946 to the late Matilda and William J. Bechmann of Covington, she was 73 years young.
Visitation for Diane will be at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home (129 Riverside Dr, Loveland, OH 45140) on Thursday October 24th from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m. with a rememberance service beginning at 11 a.m., then procession to Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason for interment. Consider wearing blue, Diane's favorite color, in her honor. She didn't like for a single plant or flower to be wasted, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash (hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate) or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). If you choose to send flowers, these will be shared after the services with patients who may need a little cheer.
Her Survivors
Diane is survived by her one-and-only sweetheart and husband of 55 short years, John L. Campbell; her daughter and friend Dawn Campbell Giesman and son-not-just-in-law Robert; and her “precious” grandsons Jacob and Alex Giesman who she would have done anything for. She was also the beloved “second mother” to her “Eastgate Kids” Anita Bechmann, Tim (Tina) Bechmann, Dottie (Ray) Coffey, Barbie (Dick) Brown, and dear friends who were like daughters, Nicole Kellner (Steve) Swick and Missy Sherman.
With Diane and John both children of large families, and leaving an impact on many friends, there are far too many names to list. But following is an abbreviated version. The baby of her family, Diane is preceded in death by all her siblings, who most certainly are celebrating her arrival: Dr. Bill Bechmann - who as a girl, Diane wanted to become a nurse to work for her eldest brother's practice; Marilyn (Mose) Moses - her older sister who she enjoyed as a friend in recent years, Ronnie (Anette) Bechmann - who lived close and shared holidays when their kids were young, and Paul (Patty) Bechmann - the father of her “Eastgate Kids” and the brother closest in age who she adored, looking up to him as they walked to and from school as children, treasuring memories of having Snicker’s picnics, spending hours fishing on Lake Isabell, dancing together at her daughter’s wedding, and caring for him when his time with us was winding down, much as his kids loved and supported her in recent years, and especially months.
She was a sister-in-law to the late Dorothy Baisden, Ed (Esther) Campbell, Ida (Bill) Bond, Annie (George) Roush, Dodie (John) Scales, and Mary Helen Campbell. She also proudly held the role of doting aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.
She treasured her years-long friendships with Sandy Patrick and fiancé Kevin Wurm both of whom she and John worked with for years at Trader’s World (her Happy Place) after Diane closed her own booth selling perennials divded with care and grown from love from her yard. With 17 years of weekends during March through end of the seaons, she made many friends and loved every moment. She also treasured her high school and lifelong friend Judie Voss Boughner (half of Diane's "Mutt and Jeff" duo, and the glue that held the La Sallet Academy high school friendships together through the last 60 years), and the rest of her dear friends from LSA with whom she loved reiniscing over monthly lunches (when she could get out of work to join) - Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, and Marie Halpin.
Her Story
Diane was born in a leap year, but chose to make her debut on Friday, March 1, 1946. She was the baby with three brothers (Bill, Ronnie and Paul) and a sister (Marilyn), all kids to Matilda (nee Bryant) and William J Bechmann of Covington. While things may have been tough — her mom suffered from pernicious anemia and money was usually tight — she focused on the good memories from her childhood. She treasured walking to grade school with her brother Paul, sneaking away for a picnic and splitting a Snicker's Bar. As a kid, her oldest brother Bill went to college to become a doctor, and Diane wanted nothing more than to become a nurse and work in his practice. The middle brother Ronnie used to take Diane with him on his dates to enjoy a movie or go to the soda jerk. As a teen, she attended LaSalette Academy in Covington, where she excelled at science and English. There she met her lifelong friend Judie Voss, and they played volleyball together. With Judie among the tallest on the team and Diane one of the shortest, they were called "Mutt and Jeff". She also forged lifelong friendships with Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, Marie Halpin, and Patty Lampert.
At age 16, Diane was a sub in bowling with her brother Paul and his true love Patricia. A Navy vet, John Campbell, originally of Springfield, Ohio and living in Cincinnati, was also a sub for his sister Dodie and her husband. When John set eyes on Diane in her turquoise blue jumpsuit, he knew he had to meet her. But when he found out she was just 16 (he is seven years older), he ended up leaving without saying a word. Sure enough, the following year, both Diane and John were subs at bowling again. And Diane coincidentally was wearing the same blue jumpsuit, so was easy to spot. Since Diane was 17, this time John, who was a bit shy his whole life, mustered up the courage to speak to her and the love was sparked. Diane fell in love with John, grew in love with John, and was still very much in love with John. She adored him, and he doted on her, then and throughout their lives together.
After just a few weeks, though not in shotgun wedding style, John asked Diane's father for permission to ask Diane to marry him. Since she was still in high school and the nuns frowned upon the engagement of young sweethearts, each morning Diane would stop at the gate outside of the school and put her engagement ring in her pocket. It went right back on her finger after school each day. Diane and John were married just weeks after Diane's graduation. Always a planner, Diane had budgeted their money carefully for furniture for their new apartment home. But she scrambled a bit when she found out John had spend a good portion of it on her wedding bands. It worked out just fine, with the bedroom set they purchased with what they had left still in their home today. At the rehearsal the night before their wedding, Diane realized she forgot to get John a wedding band! So she hustled out and found a $10 steel band...which he wears to this day, a testament that money can't buy everything, but love sure does conquer all.
Despite it being a day to celebrate independence, Diane and John exchanged vows on Saturday, July 4, 1964. John was the first boy she kissed, and truly the love of her life. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past July. After a few years in an apartment, Diane and John bought their first and only home in 1970 on Raven Lane in Blue Ash. Through the years, they finished the basement, built a covered patio, and transformed the yard into a peaceful space surrounded by hundreds of perennials. And squirrels, and neighborhood cats, and birds, all of whom she would feed. It's no surprise that Diane said she and John would come back as turtle doves, who choose their mate for life just as they did.
The only other love affairs she had were for Goetta, a good German Potato salad, green beans simmered with ham hocks, coconut caramel haystacks, seven-layer salad, fresh breads and pecan rolls.
Eventually John and Diane wanted someone else to torment besides each other, and adopted their only daughter Dawn when she was four months old. The news that she was getting baby girl came for Diane's birthday in 1975, and shortly after she and John were holding the little girl "with blonde hair sticking straight up like dandelion". Both Diane and John spoiled their daughter, making many wonderful memories. Diane was usually nearby wherever Dawn was, so volunteered as homeroom mother throughout Dawn's grade school years (much to Dawn's chagrin as a pre-teen), and Girl Scout co-leader with her friend Robin Morris. She worked many festivals at St. Saviour in Deer Park, and volunteered for just about any opportunity with the school.
John and Diane bought a van and converted it themselves into a camper, which they dubbed the "Dawn Buggy". To Dawn's dismay, they had a spare tire cover displayed with this name on the back of the van. Many miles and memories were driven in the navy blue camper van on its way out west to the Grand Canyon, to camping near Disney World in Orlando, to East Coast beaches, to Gatlinburg for Girl Scouts, and to many other campsites and travels through the years.
While Dawn was away at college she learned how to not be a mean teenager, and she and Diane became friends instead of just mother and daughter. In addition to stray cats that Dawn rehomed with her mom, Diane readily took in Dawn's college best friend, Nicole, during a six-week school break. During the time, Diane ran Dawn, Nicole and their friend Melissa Scutt Longo around to their seasonal jobs, kept them well fed, and grew to have Nicole as a "daughter from another mother". She even humored the girls by agreeing to try and glass of wine with them, and the girls learned why Diane, a true lightweight with alcohol, avoided it. She was as giddy and silly as a little schoolgirl that night!
Near the end of college, Dawn met Robert Giesman, who she would marry and give Diane and John the son they never had. Dawn and Rob were married on July 4, 1999, Diane and John's anniversary. The newleyweds surprised Diane and John with a vow renewal for their 35th anniversary at their wedding reception. Diane and John were itching to become grandparents, but Dawn and Rob made them wait about 5 years. When Jacob was born on St. Patrick's Day in 2004 (her brother Ronnie's birthday), they felt as much love as the day they brought Dawn home. Four years later, Alex was born as a belated birthday present for John. From the moment they held Alex, they learned that there was plenty of love in their heart for two grandsons. Jacob and Alex were their world, and grandma and grandpa took every opportunity to spoil them, love on them, take them to the park, the zoo, their friend Myra's farm, fishing, or to their house to play. A grandma has never loved two grandkids as much as Diane loved both of her gandbabies.
Diane spent many hours in her yard, planting, weeding, and tending to flowers, succulents, and hostas. Her passion was rewarded when she was named a Beautification Award winner by the City of Blue Ash. She didn't realize it then, but her love of growing plants would eventually turn into a small business. She began transplanting her perennials into hundreds of gallon pots, then would take them to Trader's World to sell in warm weather weekends. Even as recent as this summer, folks would stop by and comment that her plants were still growing strong in their yards. The opened their booth in 2002 and sold plants for more than 10 years. When it became too much hassle to load and unload their plants, they began working for another gardener, Trey selling his plants. After a few years, Trey closed his both and Diane and John were quickly recruited to work for Sandy, who sold memorial flowers and cornhole sets, and Kevin who sold RV parts. Since Kevin and Sandy's booth shared a wall, it was common for John to knock (three times!) on the adjoining wall to get Diane to hustle over. The two couples worked hard, but also spent hours teasing, joking and pranking each other, making the weekends of work fly by. Her daughter and grandsons would come up most weekends to visit since seeing Grandma and Grandpa every day after school (and work) didn't seem like enough.
Diane was always busy. Always. Even when there was idle time she would find something to do. She went at everything "like she was killing snakes". Diane excelled at homestyle cooking, baking her famous and often-requested cheesecakes and numerous delicious desserts, making the gooiest Rice Krispies treats ever, sewing everything from baby blankets to give to a new mom that she loved to matching outfits for her and her daughter to reupholstered furniture, mending torn clothes and sad hearts, living within her means, caring for every stray cat and squirrel that came near her house, being a homemaker with floors so clean you could eat off of them, transforming her small yard into a lush nursery filled with flowers and perennials, sharing sprouts carefully tended and transplanted from her garden by the "plant lady", appreciating her blessings and celebrating the small moments, and showing immense love for those around her. She appreciated the little things and lived in the moment. She never shied from letting you know she cared about you and would do just about anything for the people she loved. Diane took extreme pride in her relationship with John, her daughter and Rob, and Jacob and Alex, tormenting those around her with story and after story about them.
She was a caregiver, a nurse, at heart. Her daughter would say "mom worries enough for everyone that none of the rest of us have to". She cared for her mom when she was young and her mom was sick for many years, then later her aging dad. Her brother Ronnie's unexpected death devastated her. She cared for her second-mother Aunt Marie, who she fondly remembered sitting with as a teenageer and sneaking pieces of candy or laughing over Graeter's double butter coffee cake. She later cared for her Aunt's husband, Uncle Bill Remke. She and her sister-in-law Ida cared for Ida and John's Aunt Faye in her last couple of years. Then she took turns with her brother Paul's kids to care for him while he fought cancer. She spent hours with her sister-in-law Ida in the nursing home, and with her own sister Marilyn. She never wanted a thing in return, just wanted to make sure the people she loved were well cared for. And with her, they always were.
When there was no one sick to care for, she spent countless hours loving and doting on her daughter and son-in-law, her precious grandsons Jacob and Alex who she loved with all her heart, her brother Paul's four adult kids and their families (especially Courtney and Adam, and little Natalie who mom was able to hold just before she passed, Bobbi Jo and Jeff with their adorable boys Bennett and Levi who she got to hug in the past few weeks, Tim Jr., Zach, Crystal and Jeff, and Joey and Jayden whose prayers helped her enjoy these past many months and continue to shower all of us with her love). She adored seeing you raise your families, and welcoming each new spouse, and "sniffing off all the freshness" of each new baby. She treasured the Christmas's with all of you - the stories and hugs and laughter and amazing food. She jokingly dreaded the White Elephant exchange as we never knew how embarassing or akward the gift may be, or if she would be stuck going home with the infamous Fung Shei!
As her lungs grew weaker these past months, her heart grew increasingly stronger. She was so grateful for every day she spent with all those she loved. John didn't leave her side. Dawn didn't like to leave for long.
She deeply appreciated the care of Dr. Mark Andolina, his nurse practicioners Regina and Kelly, and the rest of the staff. When she was admitted to Bethesda North on September 23, she spent 24 days under the care of some of the most amazing nursing staff she'd ever met. Some who stood out the brightest, and went above and beyond, included Becca A., Kirk W., Joy K., Cecilia K., Akilah S., Melissa M., Melissa W., Krista S., Michael G., Leslie S., Kaitlynn J., Caylyn P., Ali P., Hunter B., and Haley A., and the respiratory team whose names we don't have, but knows who they are. She appreciated the VIP ride to hospice by EMT Patrick and her Chaffeur Joseph. And while she had only a few short hours for her stay at Hospice, we appreciate the care of Jeannie, Michelle and Tiffany who were caring, informative and tenderly compassionate with us in Diane's final hours.
Diane's petite frame chilled easily. She always said she had "cold hands, but a warm heart". Her heart was filled with tremendous warmth, love and joy. She loved watching things grow - flowers, her marriage, her daughter, her grandsons, her "Eastgate Kids" and their families, and her many treasured friendships. She would want you to move quickly past the grief and get on with living life to its fullest just as she lived. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Make her proud. And while doing that, do a little something to brighten someone's day, a kind word, a little act, some extra understanding or patience.
Most importantly, never, ever miss an opportunity to tell or show someone how much you care, just as she did.
Diane (sweetheart, mom, grandma, sister-in-law, sister, favorite aunt and dear friend) we will carry your precious gift of love with us in our heart always, and we will miss you more than words could ever say!
March 1, 1946 - October 18, 2019
Born in Covington, Kentucky
Resided in Blue Ash, Ohio
A strong and beautiful woman, Diane L. Campbell (nee Bechmann) of Blue Ash, passed away on Friday October 18, 2019, with her husband John and daughter Dawn holding her hands, and her near-daughter Dottie sitting at the foot of her bed. She held a picture in her left hand, closet to her heart, of her grandsons Jacob and Alex, who she loved more than life itself. Born on March 1, 1946 to the late Matilda and William J. Bechmann of Covington, she was 73 years young.
Visitation for Diane will be at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home (129 Riverside Dr, Loveland, OH 45140) on Thursday October 24th from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m. with a rememberance service beginning at 11 a.m., then procession to Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason for interment. Consider wearing blue, Diane's favorite color, in her honor. She didn't like for a single plant or flower to be wasted, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash (hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate) or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate). If you choose to send flowers, these will be shared after the services with patients who may need a little cheer.
Her Survivors
Diane is survived by her one-and-only sweetheart and husband of 55 short years, John L. Campbell; her daughter and friend Dawn Campbell Giesman and son-not-just-in-law Robert; and her “precious” grandsons Jacob and Alex Giesman who she would have done anything for. She was also the beloved “second mother” to her “Eastgate Kids” Anita Bechmann, Tim (Tina) Bechmann, Dottie (Ray) Coffey, Barbie (Dick) Brown, and dear friends who were like daughters, Nicole Kellner (Steve) Swick and Missy Sherman.
With Diane and John both children of large families, and leaving an impact on many friends, there are far too many names to list. But following is an abbreviated version. The baby of her family, Diane is preceded in death by all her siblings, who most certainly are celebrating her arrival: Dr. Bill Bechmann - who as a girl, Diane wanted to become a nurse to work for her eldest brother's practice; Marilyn (Mose) Moses - her older sister who she enjoyed as a friend in recent years, Ronnie (Anette) Bechmann - who lived close and shared holidays when their kids were young, and Paul (Patty) Bechmann - the father of her “Eastgate Kids” and the brother closest in age who she adored, looking up to him as they walked to and from school as children, treasuring memories of having Snicker’s picnics, spending hours fishing on Lake Isabell, dancing together at her daughter’s wedding, and caring for him when his time with us was winding down, much as his kids loved and supported her in recent years, and especially months.
She was a sister-in-law to the late Dorothy Baisden, Ed (Esther) Campbell, Ida (Bill) Bond, Annie (George) Roush, Dodie (John) Scales, and Mary Helen Campbell. She also proudly held the role of doting aunt to dozens of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.
She treasured her years-long friendships with Sandy Patrick and fiancé Kevin Wurm both of whom she and John worked with for years at Trader’s World (her Happy Place) after Diane closed her own booth selling perennials divded with care and grown from love from her yard. With 17 years of weekends during March through end of the seaons, she made many friends and loved every moment. She also treasured her high school and lifelong friend Judie Voss Boughner (half of Diane's "Mutt and Jeff" duo, and the glue that held the La Sallet Academy high school friendships together through the last 60 years), and the rest of her dear friends from LSA with whom she loved reiniscing over monthly lunches (when she could get out of work to join) - Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, and Marie Halpin.
Her Story
Diane was born in a leap year, but chose to make her debut on Friday, March 1, 1946. She was the baby with three brothers (Bill, Ronnie and Paul) and a sister (Marilyn), all kids to Matilda (nee Bryant) and William J Bechmann of Covington. While things may have been tough — her mom suffered from pernicious anemia and money was usually tight — she focused on the good memories from her childhood. She treasured walking to grade school with her brother Paul, sneaking away for a picnic and splitting a Snicker's Bar. As a kid, her oldest brother Bill went to college to become a doctor, and Diane wanted nothing more than to become a nurse and work in his practice. The middle brother Ronnie used to take Diane with him on his dates to enjoy a movie or go to the soda jerk. As a teen, she attended LaSalette Academy in Covington, where she excelled at science and English. There she met her lifelong friend Judie Voss, and they played volleyball together. With Judie among the tallest on the team and Diane one of the shortest, they were called "Mutt and Jeff". She also forged lifelong friendships with Phyllis Schen, Karen Fisk, Sandi Chabre, Mary Hammel, Carol Etler, Mary Adele Clark, Marie Halpin, and Patty Lampert.
At age 16, Diane was a sub in bowling with her brother Paul and his true love Patricia. A Navy vet, John Campbell, originally of Springfield, Ohio and living in Cincinnati, was also a sub for his sister Dodie and her husband. When John set eyes on Diane in her turquoise blue jumpsuit, he knew he had to meet her. But when he found out she was just 16 (he is seven years older), he ended up leaving without saying a word. Sure enough, the following year, both Diane and John were subs at bowling again. And Diane coincidentally was wearing the same blue jumpsuit, so was easy to spot. Since Diane was 17, this time John, who was a bit shy his whole life, mustered up the courage to speak to her and the love was sparked. Diane fell in love with John, grew in love with John, and was still very much in love with John. She adored him, and he doted on her, then and throughout their lives together.
After just a few weeks, though not in shotgun wedding style, John asked Diane's father for permission to ask Diane to marry him. Since she was still in high school and the nuns frowned upon the engagement of young sweethearts, each morning Diane would stop at the gate outside of the school and put her engagement ring in her pocket. It went right back on her finger after school each day. Diane and John were married just weeks after Diane's graduation. Always a planner, Diane had budgeted their money carefully for furniture for their new apartment home. But she scrambled a bit when she found out John had spend a good portion of it on her wedding bands. It worked out just fine, with the bedroom set they purchased with what they had left still in their home today. At the rehearsal the night before their wedding, Diane realized she forgot to get John a wedding band! So she hustled out and found a $10 steel band...which he wears to this day, a testament that money can't buy everything, but love sure does conquer all.
Despite it being a day to celebrate independence, Diane and John exchanged vows on Saturday, July 4, 1964. John was the first boy she kissed, and truly the love of her life. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past July. After a few years in an apartment, Diane and John bought their first and only home in 1970 on Raven Lane in Blue Ash. Through the years, they finished the basement, built a covered patio, and transformed the yard into a peaceful space surrounded by hundreds of perennials. And squirrels, and neighborhood cats, and birds, all of whom she would feed. It's no surprise that Diane said she and John would come back as turtle doves, who choose their mate for life just as they did.
The only other love affairs she had were for Goetta, a good German Potato salad, green beans simmered with ham hocks, coconut caramel haystacks, seven-layer salad, fresh breads and pecan rolls.
Eventually John and Diane wanted someone else to torment besides each other, and adopted their only daughter Dawn when she was four months old. The news that she was getting baby girl came for Diane's birthday in 1975, and shortly after she and John were holding the little girl "with blonde hair sticking straight up like dandelion". Both Diane and John spoiled their daughter, making many wonderful memories. Diane was usually nearby wherever Dawn was, so volunteered as homeroom mother throughout Dawn's grade school years (much to Dawn's chagrin as a pre-teen), and Girl Scout co-leader with her friend Robin Morris. She worked many festivals at St. Saviour in Deer Park, and volunteered for just about any opportunity with the school.
John and Diane bought a van and converted it themselves into a camper, which they dubbed the "Dawn Buggy". To Dawn's dismay, they had a spare tire cover displayed with this name on the back of the van. Many miles and memories were driven in the navy blue camper van on its way out west to the Grand Canyon, to camping near Disney World in Orlando, to East Coast beaches, to Gatlinburg for Girl Scouts, and to many other campsites and travels through the years.
While Dawn was away at college she learned how to not be a mean teenager, and she and Diane became friends instead of just mother and daughter. In addition to stray cats that Dawn rehomed with her mom, Diane readily took in Dawn's college best friend, Nicole, during a six-week school break. During the time, Diane ran Dawn, Nicole and their friend Melissa Scutt Longo around to their seasonal jobs, kept them well fed, and grew to have Nicole as a "daughter from another mother". She even humored the girls by agreeing to try and glass of wine with them, and the girls learned why Diane, a true lightweight with alcohol, avoided it. She was as giddy and silly as a little schoolgirl that night!
Near the end of college, Dawn met Robert Giesman, who she would marry and give Diane and John the son they never had. Dawn and Rob were married on July 4, 1999, Diane and John's anniversary. The newleyweds surprised Diane and John with a vow renewal for their 35th anniversary at their wedding reception. Diane and John were itching to become grandparents, but Dawn and Rob made them wait about 5 years. When Jacob was born on St. Patrick's Day in 2004 (her brother Ronnie's birthday), they felt as much love as the day they brought Dawn home. Four years later, Alex was born as a belated birthday present for John. From the moment they held Alex, they learned that there was plenty of love in their heart for two grandsons. Jacob and Alex were their world, and grandma and grandpa took every opportunity to spoil them, love on them, take them to the park, the zoo, their friend Myra's farm, fishing, or to their house to play. A grandma has never loved two grandkids as much as Diane loved both of her gandbabies.
Diane spent many hours in her yard, planting, weeding, and tending to flowers, succulents, and hostas. Her passion was rewarded when she was named a Beautification Award winner by the City of Blue Ash. She didn't realize it then, but her love of growing plants would eventually turn into a small business. She began transplanting her perennials into hundreds of gallon pots, then would take them to Trader's World to sell in warm weather weekends. Even as recent as this summer, folks would stop by and comment that her plants were still growing strong in their yards. The opened their booth in 2002 and sold plants for more than 10 years. When it became too much hassle to load and unload their plants, they began working for another gardener, Trey selling his plants. After a few years, Trey closed his both and Diane and John were quickly recruited to work for Sandy, who sold memorial flowers and cornhole sets, and Kevin who sold RV parts. Since Kevin and Sandy's booth shared a wall, it was common for John to knock (three times!) on the adjoining wall to get Diane to hustle over. The two couples worked hard, but also spent hours teasing, joking and pranking each other, making the weekends of work fly by. Her daughter and grandsons would come up most weekends to visit since seeing Grandma and Grandpa every day after school (and work) didn't seem like enough.
Diane was always busy. Always. Even when there was idle time she would find something to do. She went at everything "like she was killing snakes". Diane excelled at homestyle cooking, baking her famous and often-requested cheesecakes and numerous delicious desserts, making the gooiest Rice Krispies treats ever, sewing everything from baby blankets to give to a new mom that she loved to matching outfits for her and her daughter to reupholstered furniture, mending torn clothes and sad hearts, living within her means, caring for every stray cat and squirrel that came near her house, being a homemaker with floors so clean you could eat off of them, transforming her small yard into a lush nursery filled with flowers and perennials, sharing sprouts carefully tended and transplanted from her garden by the "plant lady", appreciating her blessings and celebrating the small moments, and showing immense love for those around her. She appreciated the little things and lived in the moment. She never shied from letting you know she cared about you and would do just about anything for the people she loved. Diane took extreme pride in her relationship with John, her daughter and Rob, and Jacob and Alex, tormenting those around her with story and after story about them.
She was a caregiver, a nurse, at heart. Her daughter would say "mom worries enough for everyone that none of the rest of us have to". She cared for her mom when she was young and her mom was sick for many years, then later her aging dad. Her brother Ronnie's unexpected death devastated her. She cared for her second-mother Aunt Marie, who she fondly remembered sitting with as a teenageer and sneaking pieces of candy or laughing over Graeter's double butter coffee cake. She later cared for her Aunt's husband, Uncle Bill Remke. She and her sister-in-law Ida cared for Ida and John's Aunt Faye in her last couple of years. Then she took turns with her brother Paul's kids to care for him while he fought cancer. She spent hours with her sister-in-law Ida in the nursing home, and with her own sister Marilyn. She never wanted a thing in return, just wanted to make sure the people she loved were well cared for. And with her, they always were.
When there was no one sick to care for, she spent countless hours loving and doting on her daughter and son-in-law, her precious grandsons Jacob and Alex who she loved with all her heart, her brother Paul's four adult kids and their families (especially Courtney and Adam, and little Natalie who mom was able to hold just before she passed, Bobbi Jo and Jeff with their adorable boys Bennett and Levi who she got to hug in the past few weeks, Tim Jr., Zach, Crystal and Jeff, and Joey and Jayden whose prayers helped her enjoy these past many months and continue to shower all of us with her love). She adored seeing you raise your families, and welcoming each new spouse, and "sniffing off all the freshness" of each new baby. She treasured the Christmas's with all of you - the stories and hugs and laughter and amazing food. She jokingly dreaded the White Elephant exchange as we never knew how embarassing or akward the gift may be, or if she would be stuck going home with the infamous Fung Shei!
As her lungs grew weaker these past months, her heart grew increasingly stronger. She was so grateful for every day she spent with all those she loved. John didn't leave her side. Dawn didn't like to leave for long.
She deeply appreciated the care of Dr. Mark Andolina, his nurse practicioners Regina and Kelly, and the rest of the staff. When she was admitted to Bethesda North on September 23, she spent 24 days under the care of some of the most amazing nursing staff she'd ever met. Some who stood out the brightest, and went above and beyond, included Becca A., Kirk W., Joy K., Cecilia K., Akilah S., Melissa M., Melissa W., Krista S., Michael G., Leslie S., Kaitlynn J., Caylyn P., Ali P., Hunter B., and Haley A., and the respiratory team whose names we don't have, but knows who they are. She appreciated the VIP ride to hospice by EMT Patrick and her Chaffeur Joseph. And while she had only a few short hours for her stay at Hospice, we appreciate the care of Jeannie, Michelle and Tiffany who were caring, informative and tenderly compassionate with us in Diane's final hours.
Diane's petite frame chilled easily. She always said she had "cold hands, but a warm heart". Her heart was filled with tremendous warmth, love and joy. She loved watching things grow - flowers, her marriage, her daughter, her grandsons, her "Eastgate Kids" and their families, and her many treasured friendships. She would want you to move quickly past the grief and get on with living life to its fullest just as she lived. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Make her proud. And while doing that, do a little something to brighten someone's day, a kind word, a little act, some extra understanding or patience.
Most importantly, never, ever miss an opportunity to tell or show someone how much you care, just as she did.
Diane (sweetheart, mom, grandma, sister-in-law, sister, favorite aunt and dear friend) we will carry your precious gift of love with us in our heart always, and we will miss you more than words could ever say!
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