Diana Lynn Keirn , 49, of rural South Whitley, passed away peacefully in the company of family at 8:05 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at her home.

She was born on September 8, 1974, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of Michael and Nelwyn (Goins) McNamara.  Growing up in Noble County, Diana graduated from Central Noble High School in 1993.  She continued her education at Ivy Tech – Fort Wayne, earning a Certified Nursing Assistant certification.

On September 8, 1995, she married her high school sweetheart, Sherm S. Keirn. In 2004, the couple moved to rural South Whitley.

Gifted with a caring heart, Diana worked as a CNA at the Whitley County Memorial Hospital and the Oaks. In 1996, she gave birth to Samuel, and he became their focus and joy for 17 years. Sam died on May 8, 2014.

Active in 4H with her son, they showed rabbits. She was a very active volunteer in the Whitley County 4H rabbit club.  She also worked as a hostess at Richard's Restaurant for a few years.

She extended her love of children; teaching Sunday School and VBS at Collamer Christian Church, and she enjoyed catering weddings and graduations. With Louisiana relatives, she learned to make the "Best Gumbo." As an adult, she grew to like Halloween, becoming one of her favorite holidays.  Strong-willed, she usually got her way and earned the respect of family and friends.  Active with the Gideons, she was prolific in her distribution of Bibles in the area.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Sherm; her father, Michael McNamara, of Albion; siblings Dana (Bobby) Bering of Columbia City, Debbie Norris of Kendallville, and Doug (Amy) McNamara of Wolcottville; eight nieces; two nephews; three aunts; two great nieces and one great nephew; and many cousins.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by her only son, Samuel Sherm Keirn, and her mother, Nelwyn "Nel" McNamara.

Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (June 14th) at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.  The funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday at the Collamer Christian Church, 5850 S 900W South Whitley, with visitation 1 hour prior.

Memorials in Diana's honor are to the Whitley County 4H or the Gideons.