ROCHELLE — Diane R. Ekes, 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 16. with family by her side at home.  

Diane was born on Sept. 8, 1953 to Richard and Ruth (Reinking) Johnsen in Oak Park, Illinois.  On March 30, 1977, she married Jerry L. Ekes in Wheaton, Illinois. He preceded her on March 29, 2010.  She is also preceded in death by her parents.  

Diane worked at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb for many years.  

Diane was very involved with her girls’ lives as they were growing up.  She was a girl scout troop leader and a Rochelle Township High School music, drama and speech booster member.  

She was also an active member of the Vince Carney Community Theater group since 1997, making cookies for the cast and crew on a regular basis.

Diane is survived by her two daughters: Kimberly Ekes of Hillcrest and Kristina (Alan Day) Ekes of Waterman, Illinois; two brothers: David (Shelley) Johnsen of Arizona and Steve (Karen) Johnsen of Illinois; two sisters: Lynn Mueller of Wisconsin and Nancy (Steve) Newell of Illinois and three honorary grandchildren: Arthur Wilson and Evie and Declan Pasetti.

Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. Burial will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ellisville, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home or the Vince Carney Community Theater. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.