Diane Claassen

Diane Claassen (Darling)

December 18, 1932 - November 11, 2025

With hearts full of gratitude and love, we celebrate the life of Diane Claassen (Darling), 92, who passed peacefully on November 11, 2025. As if heaven itself was celebrating her homecoming, the northern lights painted the Kansas sky that night - a divine welcome for one of God's most grateful servants.

Born December 18, 1932, to Arthur and Bess (Benn) Darling. After graduating from Newton High School and attending Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, she married her beloved Richard Claassen on September 28, 1952. Their 63-year marriage was a testament to their enduring love.

At First Baptist Church, her lifelong spiritual home, Diane served as kindergarten superintendent for 12 years and taught Bible school for 15 years. She poured herself into Lincoln Grade School throughout her three children's education, led Cub Scouts and 4-H and volunteered at Bethel Hospital Gift Shop for a remarkable 35 years. Her service through Chapter AG, P.E.O., where she celebrated 50 years of membership in 2019, reflected her commitment to empowering women.

Known for her impeccable style, gracious hospitality and wonderful cooking, she approached each day as an opportunity to bless others. She and Rich traveled the world, many times with dear friends, but her greatest adventures were the ones close to home - loving her family, serving her community and showing Christ’s love to everyone.

Diane's generous spirit shone brightly in how she honored both her past and her future. In an extraordinary act of love and vision, she donated her childhood home in Newton to Habitat for Humanity. She watched with joy as the organization restored it to its original glory, transforming her treasured memories into hope for a new family.

In her final chapter, Diane became a beloved patient at Comfort Care Home located just two doors south of the home she and Rich had shared for over 35 years. She loved her caregivers and her newfound friends. How fitting that God placed her final earthly care so close to the home where she had created countless memories. The proximity was more than convenience - it was providence.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband Richard and son Stephen. She leaves behind her son Brian, daughter Shelley and son-in-law Larry Wall and family, and a community forever changed by her love.

Her final act of gratitude was establishing memorials with the organizations closest to her heart: Faith Home Health and Hospice, whose staff was a godsend, First Baptist Church, her spiritual foundation; and St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, reflecting her lifelong love for children.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6; 30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church on November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. followed by an interment at 1:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas

"In everything give thanks" was not just a verse Diane quoted - it was the melody of her life. From her childhood home given in love, to her final home where love was given to her, Diane's story is one of gratitude overflowing.