Diana J. Kowalka

1941 - 2023

Diana J. Kowalka, 81 of Ashland passed away on Friday morning, June 2, 2023 in University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center.
She was born on July 2, 1941 in Shelby, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Willis Wentz and Mildred (nee Dick) Wentz.
Diana graduated from Shelby High School in 1959. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in early elementary education from Bowling Green State University in 1963. Diana completed a master's degree later in social work from Bowling Green.
She married the love of her life, David Kowalka on July 9, 1966.
Throughout her career, she taught early elementary education at both Mapleton Local Schools and East Cleveland. Diana received the Martha Holdings Jennings Scholarship Award for the 1977-78 School Year. The MHS Scholarship award is for Outstanding Teachers. She retired from Ashland University as a student advisor for pre-service education seniors.
Diana was a long-time active member of Altrusa International, an organization whose goal is to improve the lives of women. She also worked on exemplifying excellence through sustainable service in the education sorority ADK.
Volunteering at the front desk at Samaritan Hospital for 35 years, Diana and Dave enjoyed providing this service.
Diana was a devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she served on altar guild. She was a founding member of the Art of Gardening Garden Club and enjoyed being a member of Uniontown Quilting Guild. Throughout their married life, Diana and Dave fostered a dozen foster children.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Dave Kowalka of Ashland; and a foster son, Stephen Kolacz of Ashland.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church with Reverend Karen Liddy presiding. A meal and time of fellowship will be held following the service at the church. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Friends may call on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashland County Community Foundation, in care of the David and Diana Kowalka Scholarship Fund, 300 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.