Diana Barney

We lost Mom, Diana Barney, née Colter, on Saturday September 13, 2025, in Belleville, Illinois, at the age of 72. Born on July 31, 1953, in Missouri, Mom lived a life marked by her love for her family, her strength of spirit, and a heart that welcomed all.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmy Barney; son, Christopher Barney; daughter, Nicole Barney; grandson, Christopher Barney II; three brothers—Garry (Marie) Watson, Richard "Rick" (Patty) Colter, and Robert "Bobby" Colter; sister, Gail Beard Renick; sister-in-law, Lisa Green (née Barney); brother-in-law, Nolan Barney; brother-in-law, JD Barney; sister-in-law, Stephanie Barney (née Patterson), and numerous nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply.

Diana was preceded in death by her father, Richard Colter; mother, Annie Colter (née Watson); father-in-law, Willis Barney; mother-in-law, Lola Barney (née Worrix); brother-in-law, Ricky Barney; sister, Karen Swanson (née) Beard, as well as multiple aunts and uncles whose memories she carried with love.

Mom's life revolved around Dad, Christopher, and me. She would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in November this year with Dad. Together they raised us and the three of us were the center of her world. Her love extended beyond immediate family; she was a nurturing presence to anyone who entered our home. Whether it was feeding our friends or offering a listening ear, Mom made everyone feel like family.

As a military wife for 20 years, Mom embodied resilience and adaptability. She supported Dad through decades of service with unwavering dedication while maintaining a warm and stable home for us. Her strength and independence were huge aspects of her character; she was our rock.

Mom maintained a close friendship with her bestie, Jean Cormier, that spanned over four decades. She treated her daughters, Sandy and Karen, just like she treated Christopher and me, and Jean did the same for us. She made friends easily and had multiple friends she stayed in contact with for decades.

Mom had an infectious charm and sense of humor that made everyone she met love her. She was warm and loving, always ready to offer comfort or share a laugh. Her creativity shone through in her love for crafting and decorating, and she found joy in simple pleasures like shopping at Goodwill. She never gave up and her determination was defined in every chapter of her life.

A small graveside service honoring Mom’s life will be scheduled soon at Bell Cemetery in Allensville, Ohio.

Hopefully Mom’s memory will bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts she touched with grace, humor, and unwavering love.