Diane Williams, 74 of Delavan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at her son’s home in Mackinaw, Illinois surrounded by the love of her family.
Born Ethel “Diane” Bell on August 7, 1951, in Logansport, Indiana, to Marion and Dorothy (Rupe) Bell Sr. She was known simply as Diane, a name that fit her gentle spirit and warm heart.
She is survived by her husband, Jimmie D. Williams of Delavan, Illinois; her four children, Brian Waldon of Mackinaw, Illinois, Stephanie (Robert) McFarlane of Morton, Illinois, Scott (Jen Glad) Waldon of Creve Coeur, Illinois, Mary (Patrick) Barrett of East Peoria, Illinois; her two step-children, Brian (Megan) Williams of East Peoria, Illinois, Amy (Stephen) Essary of Savannah, Tennessee; one brother, Marion Bell Jr. of Logansport, Indiana; sister, Veronica Lear of Peru, Indiana and one brother in-law, Robert Artist of Rochester, Indiana.
Diane was blessed with many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She celebrated every birthday, every school event, every milestone she could.
She had several nieces and nephews, that she was a constant source of kindness, laughter, and support too.
Diane loved gardening, you could send her a picture of a leaf, and she could tell you what type of plant it was and everything about it. She enjoyed crafting, always wanting to save things because she could eventually make something out of it. She enjoyed baking so much that she made several wedding and birthday cakes. One of her favorite times to bake was around the holidays with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Nettie Sargent and Gloria Artist; one sister in-law, Virginia Bell, and two nephews, Christopher Bell and Bobby Artist, whose memories she always carried with her.
Diane will be remembered for her compassion, her strength, and the deep love she showed her family. Her greatest joy in life was caring for those that she loved, especially her son Brian, whose wellbeing has been her priority for the past four years.
In honor of Diane’s devotion to her family, memorial donations may be made to THE BRIAN WALDON TRUST FUND at Tremont First National Bank @134 S. Sampson St. Tremont, IL 61568.
A celebration of life is being planned for January 3, 2026, at the Deer Creek American Legion 31473 American Legion Rd, Mackinaw, IL 61755.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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