Diana Pickering

Diana Kay Pickering, age 79, of Winterset, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Diana was born on April 13, 1946, in Patterson, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Samuel and Sarah Elizabeth (Overturf) Brown. She was raised in the Patterson area and attended school in both Patterson and Winterset. After completing her education, she raised her four children as a full time Mom and later pursued and completed her CNA certification from Southwestern Community College in Creston.

She spent her career caring for others at the Bethesda Nursing Home (now Azria Healthcare) in Winterset. Diana’s compassion and commitment to her work left a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the many lives she touched.

On October 5, 2011, Diana was united in marriage to her partner of 16 years, Marvin Dale Pickering. Following Marvin’s passing in January 2012, Diana retired focusing on being a full time Grandma and spending as much time as possible in her beloved garden.

Those who knew Diana knew she cared about those around her, spoke her truth, worked hard and could never have too many cats. Her favorite color was purple, a fitting representation of her strong independent personality. She loved gardening, collecting unique treasures, and caring for animals of all kinds. She was resourceful with a make do attitude and skilled with her hands, often found crocheting, sewing, or working on something around the house. She played softball well into her 50s, loved reading, garage sales, doing puzzles and loved playing games of all sorts with her grandchildren.

A lover of sweets—especially chocolate—Diana also held a special place in her heart for Christmas. She celebrated the season with unmatched enthusiasm, decorating her home with 22 themed Christmas trees, each lovingly curated. One of her greatest joys was sitting in the sunshine, or on the front porch with her beloved dog Milo passing time with friends and family.

Above all else, Diana treasured her friends and family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Through life’s many challenges and losses her love was steady and strong.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father ; her beloved husband Marvin; her daughter, RaeLynn; and her brothers, Sam and Dennis.

Diana is survived by her children: Gary Lee (Miranda) Donham, Tim LeRoy Donham, and Kim Lee (Daniel) Hutchison; grandchildren: Troy (Monica), Heather (David), Joseph (Kate), Jasper (Grace), Tyson, Victoria, Linzie, Alexis (Mitch), Gavin, Alivia, Layne, and Morgan; great-grandchildren: Theo, Dezmond, Izayak, Vinzynt, Landon, Felix, Cameron, and Alekzander; and her brother, Gary (Pam) Brown. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will continue to cherish her memory.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Diana’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorials are suggested to “Furry Friends” in West Des Moines, or any local animal shelter in your area.