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BORN
1944
DIED
2025
Diana Bafford Obituary
December 21, 1944 - May 19, 2025
Diana Joy Bafford, 80, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away at home quietly and with dignity in the early hours on May 19, 2025. Born on December 21, 1944, to parents Thomas Edward and Florence Ellen (McLaughlin) Chappell, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Diana graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1962. During her high school years, she met Jerry Edward Bafford at the Eldorado Street Steak 'n Shake, where he and his friends threw wet napkins at her and her friends. Somehow, she thought he was possibly husband material. The two were wed on July 3, 1965. They spent nearly 60 wonderful years together raising their three daughters. Diana worked at several jobs throughout the years, but her true calling was that of mother and volunteer, dedicating countless hours of service to her children's and grandchildren's schools. Diana is survived by her husband Jerry, their children, Holly Bafford (Chan Smalley) and Jenny (Michael) Beery, son in law Justin Raver, grandchildren Quentin, Katherine, Ian, Alexander, Kay, and Paige, and a myriad of cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Florence, her brothers Thomas Jr., Donald and Dean, and her youngest daughter Dee.
A celebration of life will be held at the Macon Community Center in Macon, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Diana and Jerry travelled the country extensively together, sometimes bringing other family along for the experience. She was a self-admitted chocoholic, going so far as to make brownies at 2:00 a.m., when a craving hit; though she was always gracious enough to share those brownies when her daughters woke up to the warm aroma. Diana will be remembered for her kindness, empathy and love for animals and marginalized people, and unwavering love for her family. She enjoyed reading, listening to ABBA, and volunteering anywhere she could be of use. Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Bafford
2 Entries
Mary Ann Cooper
June 4, 2025
Jerry and family,
I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ann (Tomlinson) Cooper.
Sue Sebens Johnson
June 3, 2025
Diana & I met in kindergarten at Washington Grade School. Sadly we drifted apart after high school but my memories are how sweet and kind she always was. Nice memories for me of our childhood together. May your memories bring you joy & peace.
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