Diane R. Barnes
March 21, 2009
Barnes, Diane R., 64, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. We will be celebrating her life with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 25, and a funeral mass 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 26, both at Church of the Magdalen. Diane was a graduate of WSU with a degree in music education. She recently retired from WSU after 35 years of service as an administrator. A very talented musician, she was a choir member/director at All Saints Catholic Church and Church of the Magdalen for many years. Diane was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend to many. She had a great love and compassion for animals, especially cats. She is survived by her daughter, Erin Barnes of Sacramento, CA, her father, Joe Riley of Oklahoma City, OK and her sister, Cynthia Arthur of Wichita. She is preceded in death by her mother, Betty Riley. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the WSU Foundation, Diane Barnes Music Scholarship, 1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS, 67260-0002 and LAPP (Lifeline Animal Placement), 310 W. 45th N., Wichita, KS, 67204 www.lifelineanimalplacement.org Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
Rosary at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 25, at Church of the Magdalen.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Diane was one of the nicest, kindest and smartest women I have ever met. I am confident that she is with the saints and angels. I am sorry that is has gone from us but I am certain she is with us in her kind and loving spirit, caring for us and for all the cats of her neighborhood.
I worked with Diane at the WSU Admissions Office from 1976 to 1980. Our Admissions Director went on sabbatical for a couple of years and she was such an anchor for the office. I could always go to her when I needed help. She had such a great sense of humor. I also remember when Erin was born. That was such a joy. Even though I have not seen Diane for several years, she stays in my mind as a great lady and friend. Janet (McKeizer) Malcom
I am so sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. I was one of her Alpha Phi sisters and just want the family to know she is remembered fondly.
Diane and I became friends when our Erins became friends at KMC; we called then Erin Squared. Erin, dear, I am so sorry for your loss. Diane was such a dear and sweet friend and I regret most that I did not keep in as close as touch as I should have; we loved going out to lunch and catching up; we laughed and joked and she was so good to come to my Erin’s engagement party last year even though I know she was not feeling well; she encouraged me to teach at WSU which I am doing and helped tremendously when Erin transferred to WSU from Baylor; I will miss her so much; please keep in touch Erin.
My sincere condolences to Diane’s family and close friends. Diane and I were students together at WSU many years ago, and have been colleagues ever since 1976. She always demonstrated a genuine kindness toward everyone she met, and was most helpful in her challenging role as Associate Registrar of the university. During my years as chair of the School of Music, she was always available for advice and support during times of difficult issues regarding enrollments, classrooms, and scheduling of courses. Her demeanor was always professional, but kindhearted. WSU has lost a significant member of the family, and she will be sorely missed.
I got to know Diane when we were both in an aerobics class years ago. She was a wonderful woman, and will be sorely missed.
Diane was always such helpful to me when I worked in the School of Music. She was always there when me and Bill Thomson needed to ‘dig’ some class out from the past. She was also so helpful when I began work at the West Campus after an 8 month absence from WSU she helped me get all my access back. I will miss her Greatly!
Erin, your mother was a wonderful person, loved by everyone who knew her. During the years I worked in Admissions, she was the catalyst that made everything work so well, especially during the preparations for the Gore Scholarship Competition and Registration. She trained so many of us in office operations, but she was such a friend to all of us. Our team was really great team and Diane was a key ‘player’. We shall miss her deeply and carry her memory as a fond reflection of the really good days at WSU and in Wichita. Steve Brown
Diane was a truly wonderful person and will be missed by so many whose life Diane touched. My she rest in peace and may her loved ones take solice in her wonderful life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them. Richard C. Morrell
I worked with Diane when she was in Admissions at Wichita State. We had a great team in that office and Diane was a key reason that we all stuck together. I remember walking across campus to attend Mass at the Newman Center. Diane was a great person that sincerely cared for every student and co-worker. She will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace!
Erin, What a loving tribute to your mom. I love the picture of her smiling and laughing. With you by her side she got to finish well and now her journey continues. All our love Deb & Charlie
I worked with Diane for the past 18 years. I was also blessed enough to have her as a dear friend. Erin she was so very proud of you and always had a story to tell. When you were at Philmont we would talk forever about New Mexico and how much I missed it. She will be missed.
Erin,I am so sorry about the lose of your mother.I worked 20+ years with her and we had a great working relationship.She was a very special person.She was very proud of you and talked about you so much.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Dee Thompson,(computing center).Retired ‘1999.
As the WSU Faculty Athletics Representative I am responsible for certifying the athletic eligibility of our student-athletes. My decisions were based on the information provided by Diane. When this information indicated student-athletes were eligible there was never any doubt in my mind—they were eligible. Diane will be missed, not only for the wonderful work she did on matters such as this, but as a friend.
I interviewed with Diane for my first job at WSU. I remember her encouraging me at first and telling me I might feel lost but things would fall into place. I also remember her hugging me when she found out I was moving on to another office.
Diane was a friend while we worked together at Barnes & Noble. When I was in desperate need of a job she gave me a chance at WSU (I will always be grateful). Driving onto the campus will always remind me of her. Also when I see a cat in need…she was thier friend in need also….They thank you too Diane…..
When I was a rookie running in the Business Advising Center, she was always willing to help me out. Diane was always on my right side in our faculty/staff aerobics class. When she could no longer attend, nobody took ‘her space’ for many years. Nobody can take her space now. She will be sorely missed. Erin, I watched your dance career vicariously for many years. I know Wichita won’t seem like home to you without your mother’s home to stay in. You are always welcome to stay at my house.
Erin – I hope you received my card and note a week or so back. Those things I wanted to say to Diane. To you I would say that I still remember losing my mother like it was yesterday. It does get better, but it sure seems to take some time. We were all lucky to have Diane in our lives. I will miss her a lot…you will no doubt miss her the most. My heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time. If I can do anything to help you while you are in Wichita, please let me know.