Diane Kay Kelley

Diane Kay Kelley, 84, of Wapakoneta, passed away 5:25 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2025 at her daughter's residence. She was born on November 14, 1940 in Wapakoneta to Arthur A. Kiefer & Mnemosyne J. "Toby" (Metzger) Kiefer Breiner, who preceded her in death. Diane was also preceded in death by her step-father, Charles Breiner. On September 5, 1959 she married her high school sweetheart, Howard H. Kelley. Together they shared 61 years of marriage, before he passed away on January 25, 2021.

Survivors include two daughters, Robyn (Steve) Sprague, of Wapakoneta and Cheryl Fisher, of Elida; 6 grandchildren, Katie (Jeremy) Krieg, Alaina (Andrew) Cox, Daniel (Gwendolyn) Sprague, Mary (John) Goetz, Leah (Ryan) McNamara, Alexis (Travis) Jones; 15 great-grandchildren; and step-brother, Jim (Nancy) Breiner.

Diane was preceded in death by her son, Howard A. Kelley; son-in-law, Michael Fisher; and step-brother, Steve (Eileen) Breiner.

Graduating from Blume High School in 1959, Diane loved playing the clarinet, which she took up again when her daughter joined the school band. She spent many miles traveling down south with her husband, making memories along the way. Diane was formerly a member of First English Lutheran Church, Wapak and had recently been virtually attending Grace Community Church, Lima.

A few of Diane's favorite things were her Three Bs, Bengals, Buckeyes and Bingo. A lifetime player, her friends at Bingo became her second family. Most recently, she and her daughters could be found playing at the Eagles. Diane also tried her luck by playing the lottery. She was very proud to have appeared on an episode of Cash Explosion! When not watching sports or trying to win, she enjoyed quiet moments reading, especially mysteries.

However, family was most important to Diane. The Kelley home was the place for holiday meals and get-togethers; the start of many family traditions, including the Annual Christmas Cookie Baking Day. What started as a gift of a Christmas bell from Howard for their first Christmas, grew into an extensive collection, with one added each Christmas after. It is a symbol of the growth of their love and family.

A memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Schlosser Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. Pastor John Heyward will officiate and interment will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Community Church (4359 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45807) or Thunderbird Youth Sports, c/o Jeremy Krieg (1416 Lakewood Dr, Lima, OH 45805). Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com