Juanita Diane (Dienstbier) Smith, the daughter of Gearhart A. and Juanita (Irwin) Dienstbier, was born June 24, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Diane attended Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, graduating in 1960.

Later that same year, Diane was united in marriage to Glenn Littles and they made their home in St. Joseph. To this union, three daughters were born. Diane was employed by numerous businesses and the City of St. Joseph as a secretary.

In 1979, they moved to Mound City, Missouri where she held the position of Manager of the Cameron Savings and Loan for 3 years. In 1981, they moved to Rock Port where she was a bookkeeper for True Ag and Dr. Jeffrey Powell. From 1990 to 1995, they owned and operated “The Still” Deli & Tobacco Store. Glenn and Diane were later divorced.

On September 15, 2001 Diane was united in marriage to William Henry (Hank) Smith. They made their home in Rock Port until 2003, when they moved to Tarkio, where they have resided to the present time. Diane and Hank loved going to the Missouri River to camp and fish. This was one of many places where Diane touched people’s lives, while sharing her faith and love for Jesus Christ. Diane passed away May 4, 2007 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 64 years.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Rock Port, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Diane also enjoyed singing in the choir. She also greatly enjoyed swimming and was a Water Safety Instructor for many years while living in St. Joseph.

Diane is survived by her husband, Hank, Tarkio; three daughters and their husbands, Debbie and Roger Guilford, Tarkio, Lisa and Mark Wilczek, Rock Port, Lori and Rod McKinney, Maryville, Missouri; three step-daughters, Susan Smith, Rogersville, Missouri, Melissa White, Tarkio, and Erica Taylor, St. Joseph; ten grandchildren; one sister, Judith Rockhold and husband Tom, Lexington, Missouri; two brothers, Gary Dienstbier and Dale Dienstbier, both of St. Joseph.

Besides her parents, Diane was preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation:  The family will receive friends Friday, May 11, 2007 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Minter Funeral Chapel in Rock Port. There will be no memorial service, and a private family inurnment will be held at a later date. A register book will be available for friends to sign after 9:00 am, Thursday, May 10, 2007 at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church Jamaica Mission Fund, Rock Port.
Services under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.