Diena Marie Stutz, 81, of Kahoka, MO, died May 7, 2003 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA.

She was born September 11, 1921 in rural Wyaconda, MO, the daughter of Lester Carl and Millie Izetta Billings Lipper.

On June 29, 1940, Diena was united in marriage to Bradley Howard Stutz in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on January 7, 1983.

She is survived by one daughter, Louise McCoy and her husband, Robert of West Liberty, IA; one son, Ronnie Stutz of O'Fallon, MO; one grandson, Michael Scott McCoy of Austin, TX; four sisters, Delila Evermon and her husband, George of Wyaconda, MO, Nelda Mae Overhulser of Kahoka, MO, Twila Elders and her husband, James of Burlington, IA, Willa Merle Bronstine and her husband, Virgil of Canton, MO; two brothers, Kenneth Lipper and his wife, Mary of Kahoka, MO, Clayton Lipper and his wife, Carol of Sperry, IA; three sisters-in-law, Bessie Lipper of Hamilton, IL, Marjorie Lipper of Montrose, IA and Mildred Lipper of Burlington, IA.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Raymond, Dean, and Delbert Lipper and one brother-in-law, Wayne Overhulser.

Diena had lived in Clark County all of her life. She was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ and the Sugar Creek Social Club. She was a devoted housewife, helping her husband on the farm. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. She enjoyed quilting, was an avid gardener and loved white cats, believing they brought her good luck.

Funeral services were held May 9, 2003, at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka, MO with Reverend Ken Beckmann officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery in Kahoka, MO. Music was provided by Ida Lou Ross and John Spray. Pallbearers were Ron Callison, John Buschling, Randy Lipper, Larry Perry, Larry Arnold, Lance Arnold, Ralph Ball, and Dewey Frey. Memorials were made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ or the donor's choice. The Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO was in charge of arrangements.

Memphis Democrat, May 15, 2003