Diane Jeanne Hones, age 90 of Birnamwood, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2019 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 30, 1928 in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Clarence and Esther (Housholder) Gill. On May 23, 1953 she married Donald Hones in Greendale, WI. He preceded her in death on October 18, 1999.

As a teenager, Diane was named “Miss Greendale Garden Queen” and “Miss Southgate”, and was a runner up for Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin Photographic. She worked as a model at Smart Wear Emma Lange in Milwaukee, and also modeled for clothing catalogs. She worked for Central Wisconsin Airlines, and the Milwaukee County Home for Children. She volunteered for many organizations, including the First Friend program at Northview Hospital in Waukesha, New Berlin Fair Housing Commission board, and New Berlin Historical Society board. She was a volunteer “Pink Lady” at St. Mary’s on the Hill in Milwaukee, and also worked for Shawano County committee programs and Office on Aging as a supervisor of the western area of Shawano Co.

Diane had a heart for foster children and provided a temporary home for a total of four children over the years. She was a den leader for the Cub Scouts Pack 308 of Mattoon, and also volunteered for hospice through LeRoyer Hospice of Antigo. Her hobbies included fishing, deer hunting, and four wheeling with her children and grandchildren on her land. She also loved teaching crafts and selling items at flea markets.

Survivors include her two children, Denise (Harlan) Tripp, and Daniel (Peggy) Hones, both of Birnamwood; 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, her younger sister Darlene and brother Dennis.

Memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev.Casey Schifelbine will officiate. Burial will be at the Holy Family Cemetery in Mattoon at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.