Submitted by: Dan Rich
Mar. 25, 1950 - Sept. 3, 2008
South Bend Tribune 9/21/2008
MISHAWAKA - On September 3, 2008, in Lacombe, Louisiana,
Diane,58, passed away after suffering irreversible damage from a
heart attack while on vacation visiting her family with her
daughter, Maclay. On March 25, 1950, Diane was born in Montezuma,
Kansas, to Earl and Ora Whitchurch. On May 17, 1986, in
Lake Tahoe, Diane married Rick Barrett. In 1995 Rick and
Diane moved to Simington Lake in Elkhart where they lived until
they moved to Mishawaka in 2006. Her husband Rick survives along
with her son, Cory; daughter-in-law, Sandy of Colorado;
stepdaughters, Heather, Sydney and Tiffany of Iowa; and
grandchildren, Maclay, Colton, Casei, Dylan, Billy and Cody. She
is also survived by her mother, Ora; brothers, Charles and
Dennis; sisters-in-law, Dale and Diane, all of Mississippi;
several nieces and nephews, as well as her "extended"
family here in Mishawaka and Elkhart. Especially her longtime and
truest friends, Lee and Janice Grove, and her "buddy,"
Dorothy Young. Also her dogs, Cherub and Patches, will miss her
terribly. Her father Earl preceded her in death. Diane was a
wonderful person who would be there to lend a hand in any
situation. She was known for her ability to do anything and
everything ever asked of her. She would never be afraid to just
jump in and help someone out whether it was to cook a meal, sit
at a doctor's office with you, or do someone's hair at the drop
of a dime. She was a true friend to her "family" here
and words cannot express how very truly she will be missed.
Presents will never be the same without Diane's famous bows
sitting on top of them. Diane spent a large part of her life as a
stylist and in retail. Most recently she loved going to the Four
Winds Casino and Blue Chip Casino and spending time with her
friends over breakfast or a glass of ginger ale, and never missed
a chance to go fishing.
On Thursday, September 25, 2008, from 6 to 9
p.m. in the BK Club, 721 S. West St., Mishawaka, there will be a
celebration of Diane's life. Please come and join us with your
stories and memories of Diane. At Diane's request, cremation has
already taken place.