Diane Gowdy, 64, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 13, 2013, at her home. Diane was born May 16, 1949 in Newton, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin and Margaret Elizabeth (Olson) Dietrich, Jr. She grew up in Emporia and graduated from high school there. On August 30, 1969, she married Charley Gowdy and they made their home in Great Bend. Diane received a degree in education from Ft. Hays State University and then taught a number of years in the Great Bend school system. They moved to Iola in 1996 and she taught at the Crossroads Learning Center. Charley preceded her in death on March 25, 2010 and she retired in May of 2010. She was an avid reader and played the piano. She also enjoyed traveling, 4-wheeling in her Jeep and fishing. Purple was her favorite color. SURVIVORS: 2 Sons: Kurt Gowdy & wife, Miriam of Olathe, Kansas and Lynn Gowdy & wife, Donna of Bentonville, Arkansas 2 Daughters: Marla Poston of Wichita, Kansas and Sherri Gowdy of Kinston, North Carolina 1 Sister: DeLane Earegood & husband, David of Camdenton, Missouri 8 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren She was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Gowdy, and a sister, Darlene. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 3:30 p.m., May 16, 2014,(her next birthday) at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. MEMORIAL CHOICES: Allen County Hospice or Susan G. Komen For The Cure Mid-Kansas Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.