Diane Louise (McKean) Bailey, age 70, of Mansfield, died peacefully Wednesday, February 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her home. Her death follows a courageous battle with cancer since 2022.
Diane was born September 7, 1954 in Polk, Ohio, the daughter of the late George Leroy and Donna Louise (Witmer) McKean. After graduation from Crestview High School in 1973, Diane proudly served her country in the United States Army as a medic in Belgium. Diane graduated from North Central Technical College from where she earned an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Her career as a respiratory therapist and cardiopulmonary technician brought her great joy and fulfillment. It allowed her to display her genuine care for others while also giving an outlet for her to make others feel at ease through her fun loving and prankster personality. After 38 years of service, Diane retired from Ashland Samaritan Hospital.
Family was everything to Diane. She loved to read – anything from Stephen King to John Patterson. She enjoyed vacationing to places like West Virginia, Mississippi, the Outer Banks, and anywhere near the ocean or Lake Erie. Marblehead always holding a special place in her heart. Shopping was also a highlight in Diane’s life. She was a lover of cats, especially her special feline friend, Snoopy, who stayed by her side until the end.
On December 14, 1985 Diane married Johnny Bailey, who survives along with their children: Ben (Kristen) Beauford, Tyjanna (Keith) Lehman, and Dustin Bailey; grandchildren: Kelsey, Katelynn, Benji, Kristina, Elijah, Madison, Kennedy, Luke, and Dalton; great grandchildren: Alani and Iris; sisters: Sue (Bob) Dupré and Jan (Rex) Kuhn; sister in law: Sonnie McKean; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her stepfather: Robert Kuhn; and brother: George McKean.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where military honors will be conducted at the beginning of visitation at 1pm by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders in care of Akron Children’s Hospital (give.akronchildrens.org/donate).
Condolences may be left on Diane’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Diane’s tribute video click here: Diane’s tribute video.
My deepest sympathies to John, Ben, Tyjanna and all the family. Diane was the best person I’ve ever known, kind, caring, generous, and just a but naughty. I’m gonna miss that woman! We had a lot of fun together. Till we meet again my friend ♥️
My sympathies to all the family. I enjoyed working with Diane at Samaritan, she was always smiling and making us laugh. I also enjoyed going to Prairie peddler with her and Karen. Such a wonderful person, Diane, you will be missed.
My heart is so heavy for you all. The love she had for her family was palpable when she would talk about any of you. There’s nothing she wouldn’t have done for her family.
I was blessed to work with her for so many years at SamHo. The laughs we shared, and the pranks and hooliganism we would get into on slower nights, and card tossing on busy nights will never be forgotten. And that always proud finger she’d wave when we would joke with each other. Memories that will always be cherished.
Diane will be forever loved because she shared her love with so many.
RIP warrior,, and classmate ,, you will be sadly missed by many, have fun in heaven!!!!
Diane was simply one of the best. Loved working with her in ICU. She was always there in a pinch. I’m going to miss her something awful. Sending my love to her family.
Diane brought so much joy to being a respiratory therapist! She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved dressing up for every holiday, making work so much fun. Beyond that, she was an incredible therapist and an even more incredible person, always wearing a smile. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
May you receive the comfort and peace of our loving Lord as you grieve the loss of Diane, and reflect on her life. The Richland Church family continues to pray for all of you.
Jan and family; Please know that our family grieves at the loss of Diane. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her! May God’s Blessings and comfort surround you all! Love from the Smith and Walter family!
Diane you will be missed. You was a a great friend in high school.prayers for your family and friends.
So sorry for your loss. Diane was a good friend and I enjoyed working with her.
My sympathy and God’s comfort at the loss of a dear soul