Diane Lea Church, age 61 years, of Clinton, Missouri passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at her home.  A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to donor's choice and left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Diane Lea (Grotha) Church was born June 10, 1955 in St. James, MO to Allen P. and Betty L. Grotha. She was baptized at the St. James Christian Church on June 13, 1965. She graduated from John F. Hodge High School and moved to Jefferson City, MO where she met her husband. On September 13, 1975, she married Gary W. Church and moved to the Clinton, MO area. Together they built their home and raised their children.

Diane was very involved in the lives of her two daughters and eight grandchildren. She had a love for her horses, her dogs and the country life. Her identical twin sister, Donna, moved to the area 2 years ago and they enjoyed spending time together. Diane worked at Clearfield Cheese for numerous years and spent 17 years working for the Calhoun R-8 School District. She retired from the district in 2016, but remained active in the school community and had recently joined the school board.

She was preceded in death by her father, Allen P. Grotha.

Diane is survived by her husband of 42 years, Gary W. Church; daughters Amy Freiwald (Michael) and Brook Hartgrave (Ben); grandchildren Courtney Supernaw (Tyler), Kaylin Montaleone, Olivia Freiwald, Brennan Hartgrave, Reese Hartgrave, Derik Hartgrave, Avery Hartgrave and Sierra Hartgrave; mother Betty L. Grotha; sisters Donna Brannan (Steve) and Beth Bock (Michael); brothers Richard Grotha (Debbie), Michael Grotha and Greg Grotha; mother-in-law Shirley T. Church, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Diane was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a close friend to many. She will be greatly missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.