Diane L. Blackwell

Diane Lucille Blackwell was born on September 13, 1950, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She attended Wilcox High School in California and married Thomas Blackwell in 1967. Together, they built a family and shared many years before later going their separate ways.

Throughout her life, Diane was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and home. She lived in California and northwest Missouri before eventually settling in Kansas City, Missouri.

Diane enjoyed dancing, music, and caring for her many houseplants. Animals were truly her joy — she loved her pets deeply and found great comfort in them. She also enjoyed sewing, macramé, and ceramics.

Later in life, Diane shared her life with her cherished companion, Mark Stanton, who remained a close and caring presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry Randolph Kennedy and Kathleen (Klein) Kennedy; her brothers Leroy, Ricky, and Johnny; her sister Patricia; and her son, Raymond Blackwell.

Diane is survived by her brother, Darryl Kennedy; her daughters, Sheila (Mark) Barnett and Brandy Dillon; daughter-in-law, Sherri Blackwell; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her cherished companion, Mark Stanton.

Diane accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized, finding peace and comfort before her passing.

Diane will be remembered for her free spirit and her love of family, music, dancing, and animals.

Diane will be laid to rest at her parents’ gravesite in a private family service. Family and close friends will be invited at a later date to join in a gathering and dinner in her memory.