Diana Schupp

Diana Lynn Schupp, age 63, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away at her home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after a long battle with her health.
She was born on June 1, 1962, in St. Louis County, Mo., to the late John C. and Cora B. (Bourbon) Harper. On June 28, 1986, Diana was united in marriage to John S. Schupp and to this union four children were born.
Diana's life was as vibrant and full of color as the purple shades she loved and the butterflies that reminded her of beauty and transformation. She was endlessly creative, finding joy in coloring with different techniques and challenging herself with detailed paint-by-number masterpieces. Always on the move, Diana thrived outdoors-whether it was fishing, hunting, or teaching her children the practical skill of skinning a squirrel. Animals were naturally drawn to her gentle spirit, and she to them. Her love for nature was reflected in her special bond with the "lake cats" at Lake Thunderbird, and in her tenderness toward a baby squirrel rescued from a felled tree-who soon became her unusual but beloved pet.
Family memories are tied closely to Diana's talents in the kitchen. She mastered fried chicken, a dish her children eagerly anticipated on Sunday afternoons, though her salmon cakes were met with a little less excitement during the week. With a sweet tooth that everyone knew well, she delighted in saltwater taffy, white chocolate fudge, and her famous gooey butter cookies, which were always a hit.
Diana's creativity and curiosity spilled into every corner of her life. She loved browsing craft fairs, thrift shops, and hunting for treasures-especially crystals, rocks, and her vast collections of Star Wars memorabilia, TY Beanie Babies, and her ever-growing lineup of Skechers shoes. She enjoyed traveling and found joy in adventures to Biloxi, Tennessee, and Branson. Her love language was gift-giving; she had a way of showing up with little tokens that reminded you how much you mattered to her.
Her heart for people shone in everything she did. Diana spent more than 25 years as a paramedic, serving and caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. Beyond her career, she gave back to her community by volunteering with the local food pantry and Salvation Army. She had a special way of making sure no one felt alone-hosting Friendsgiving dinners for those without family and welcoming others with open arms and a warm meal.
Diana also knew how to have fun. She loved a good dance party and could always be counted on to blast her favorite '80s hits, especially Bon Jovi and the B-52s' "Love Shack." She was her children and grandchildren's biggest supporter, cheering them on at sports and in life, showing up with the kind of presence that made her the best grandmother anyone could ask for.
Diana lived a life of love, laughter, and generosity. She gave so much of herself to her family, friends, and community, leaving behind a legacy of care, creativity, and joy. She knew how to make people feel seen, she knew how to have a good time, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Survivors include her four children, Tiffany Powell (Jarrod) of Lake Ozark, Mo., John Schupp (Becky) of St. Clair, Mo., Drew Schupp (Courtney) of Sullivan, Mo., Sam James (John) of Union, Mo.; 11 grandchildren, Danielle (Weston), Lauren, Makenzie, Bray, Delilah, Johnny, Khia, Collin, Mila, John and Charlotte; one sister, Teresa Saul of Sullivan, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother whom she adored, PFC George D. Harper.
The family will host a private celebration of life service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Friends of the JCAS, PO Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110, or the Salvation Army, 718 Michigan Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.