Diane Kay Woods

Diane Kay Woods, age 83 of Osceola, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025. Diane was born November 13, 1941, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Ronald and Naomi (Torrence) Moore. On April 14, 1960, she married Jerry “JB” Woods Sr. in Mishawaka, Indiana. Diane and JB celebrated 50 years of marriage before his passing on July 4, 2010.

She is survived by her children Vicki (Kenny) Dodd, Jerry Woods Jr., and Grady (Roxanne) Woods, all of Osceola, along with 8 grandchildren; Shawnda (Brandon) Armstrong, Kenneth (Ashley) Dodd II, Corey (Melissa) Woods, Diane (Dorian Fritz) Setero, Taylor (Ryley) Dennis, Zachary Woods, Chevelle Woods and Ronald Woods. Surviving as well are 10 great-grandchildren; Christopher (Fiance Kelsey Cave) Bernard, Adriana Sciba, Aubrey Click, Charlie Armstrong, Tanner Woods, Peyton Dodd, Bryce Woods, Nikko Setero, Luca Setero and Everett Dennis. Diane is also survived by her special niece Beverly Rutherford and special great niece Ricki Weaver. She was preceded in death by her sisters Sandra Dujardin and Priscilla Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be 1 hour of visitation prior to the 12:00pm funeral service on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Diane lived a life full of love, laughter, and open doors. After graduating from Ivy Tech, she stayed on as a switchboard operator, a job she enjoyed because she loved connecting with people. Later, she became a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into raising her kids and never missing a school event, bake sale, or activity. When her daughter Vicki joined the Brownies, Diane stepped up as a troop leader, making memories and friendships that lasted for years.

She was always involved in her children’s lives, whether it was at PTA meetings or baking cookies for school fundraisers, Diane was there. Later on, she worked as a school bus driver for Elkhart Community Schools for 17 years, retiring in 1998. She loved that job and cared for the kids on her bus like they were her own.

When she was younger, Diane loved riding her Honda motorcycle and always had a sense of adventure. She enjoyed simple things: curling up with a good book (especially anything by Danielle Steele), playing cards with her sisters, and spending time with family. Her homemade Biscuits and Gravy were a family favorite, especially when her sisters came over. They shared a special bond and took an unforgettable cruise together, a memory she always treasured.

Diane’s door was always open and her kids’ friends were always welcome. Nobody ever left her house hungry. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a loud, infectious laugh, and loved pulling practical jokes when the opportunity came up.

More than anything, Diane loved her family. She built her life around the people she cared about and made sure everyone she met felt like a friend. Her kindness, sense of humor, and big heart will be missed by everyone who knew her.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Brickyard in Elkhart for the care and love shown to Diane throughout her time in their care. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Diane’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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