Obituary of Diane L Gering

Diane L. (Stucky) Gering, 79, of Ritzville, Washington, died unexpectedly from unknown causes on July 22, 2024 at the family homestead in rural Adams County. She was born on March 21, 1945, to Carl T. and Lorene Stucky in McPherson, Kansas. Her childhood years were filled with the simple pleasures of life on a small dairy and wheat farm. She enjoyed being outside, caring for pets, and playing games. Three older siblings were dependable partners in farm work and occasional pranks. The congregation of Eden Mennonite Church in rural Moundridge provided a strong religious community for the Stucky family. Diane graduated from McPherson High School in 1963 and from Bethel College (KS) in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. While at college, she met Warren ‘Butch’ Gering from Ritzville, WA. They were married on August 18, 1966 at Eden Mennonite Church. After graduation, they left for a voluntary service post in Zaire, Africa, preceded by French language study in Mons, Belgium. Life on the family farm began in the spring of 1970. While Warren farmed, Diane taught aerobics, sold Shaklee supplements, worked as a waitress, and played softball with friends in Ritzville. She was naturally competitive and high-spirited; losing wasn’t easy. Warren and Diane brought three children into the world: Christopher (March 21,1970), Jonathan (February 20, 1972), and Gretchen (August 12, 1976). She kept the busy household running smoothly and was masterful at making the house a home. Hospitality was taken seriously: every visitor was assured delicious meals and clean accommodations. Diane volunteered in Junior Miss and Distinguished Young Woman scholarship programs on both the local and state levels. Together with Warren, they participated in numerous Mennonite Disaster worksites over the years. She was active at Menno Mennonite Church as a youth group leader, coordinator of Christmas Eve programs, food chairperson for the Mennonite Country Auction, and hostess for many church meals. Following her passion for cooking, Diane founded and ran Dia’s Catering, serving eastern Washington from 1988 to 2013. Providing food to others was her ‘love language’. Diane enjoyed games (especially Canasta and Pinochle), pets (cats, chickens, sheep, pygmy goats), and watching and listening to birds. She had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed numerous trips throughout the country to visit friends and family. She enjoyed meaningful conversations and was an encouraging friend, partner, and parent. She was happiest around her children and grandchildren, and supported them by attending their sporting and performing arts events and being actively involved in their lives. Diane lost her eyesight to ischemic optic neuropathy in 2015. She refused to let the handicap change her identity: she lived fully and courageously until her final moment. Diane was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James L. Stucky. She is survived by her husband (Warren); children Christopher (Melanie), Jonathan (Deborah), and Gretchen (Eric); grandchildren Ellie, Spencer, Benjamin, Emma, Emerson, Julianna (Jerod), Timothy, and Jacob; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. Also surviving are her sister Wanieta (Paul) and brother Benjamin (Jeanette). Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1:30 PM at Menno Mennonite Church, with pastors Bryce Miller and Emily Toews presiding. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Guests are invited for refreshments at the church following the interment. Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service.