05/28/2026
Diane Gay Whitson, age 82, of Albia, IA, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Comfort House in Pella, IA. Diane had been surrounded by family and friends in the days and weeks leading up to her passing which comforted her immensely during her sudden illness.
Diane was born on December 12, 1943, at home in Hammond, IN, to Charles “Pete” and Margaret “June” (Gay) Smith. The family eventually moved to Avery, IA, where Diane grew up and attended school through the 8th grade. Diane was proud to be an "Avery kid". Diane went on to attend Albia High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. She furthered her education at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. On December 30, 1967, she was united in marriage to Philip Dean Whitson at the Albia Methodist Church and to this union, 2 children were born: Cheri and Chris. Diane and Phil were blessed with 53 years of marriage prior to Phil’s passing on November 12, 2021. She looked forward to being united again with Phil.
In her younger years, Diane had fond memories working at The Coffee Shop in Albia. Later, she went to work in the office at Chamberlain Manufacturing. Upon becoming a mother, Diane devoted herself to raising her children. Diane was an involved mother who attended all her children's events, helped with homework or volunteered for their activities. Still, she was a true 80's mom who held back judgement and advice often trusting them to learn from their own mistakes. She later returned to the workforce as a Title I teacher’s aide for the Albia School District for 26 years until her retirement in 2005. Diane made lifelong friends with her colleagues, and her students remembered her kindly.
A woman of strong faith, Diane was a dedicated member of the Avery Church for 72 years. She put her heart into her church holding many roles of leadership throughout the years. When Diane was younger, she enjoyed bowling in a league with friends for many years at Lor-Lon-Ga Lanes. Diane loved holidays. She looked forward to decorating her home for each holiday and season. Christmas was her favorite. She loved to bake cookies, fudge and caramels, sharing plates of sweets with her family and friends. For many years, she became known as “the Popcorn Ball Lady,” to many in town, who would even drive to her house, as she handed out her homemade treats each Halloween. Diane was a member of Garden Club and enjoyed entering the flower show at the county fair each summer. Diane's green thumb also showed in the yard, she worked hours in, that she and Phil were so proud of. Recently, Diane had enjoyed her volunteering activities at the Look Nook at the Monroe County Hospital and the time spent dining out or going to musical events with family and friends. Above all else, Diane loved her family deeply and cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren and her sisters, who she had an especially strong bond with. She showed her love also to her large extended family. She was so good at maintaining relationships, letting family know she was thinking of them through cards, calls or visits whether next door or across the country.
Diane is survived by her daughter, Cheri (Jim) Kasella; her son, Chris (Gia Tornabene); grandchildren, Charlie and Olivia Kasella; siblings, Hope (Don) Brouk and Faith (Darrell) Carter; and siblings-in-law, Larry (Phyllis) Whitson, Carolyn Plum, and Wayne Whitson. Diane is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Phil; her parents, Pete and June Smith; a sister in infancy, Pamela Rae; her parents-in-law, Cecil and Alberta Whitson and brothers-in-law, Jerry Whitson, Steve Whitson, and Jim Plum
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Diane’s family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Teresa Miller officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia.
Memorials have been established to the Avery Church and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.
