Diane Faye Murrell was born on July 12, 1949, in Modesto, California, to Nolan Albert and Dorothy Mae (Herzog) Murrell. She passed from this life on December 10, 2023, at the age of 74.
She lived in California until 1966, when her family relocated to Willow Springs, Missouri. She graduated from Willow Springs High School with the class of 1967. Other than a short time in Iowa and six months in Florida, she remained in Willow Springs until her death.
Diane married Frankie Darrel Cox in 1967, and one son, Kenneth Darrel was born of this marriage. She married James Darrell Jeffery in 1973 and one daughter, Misty Marlene was born of this marriage. She was married to Oscar Allen Pond from 1979-1982 and then remained single until her death.
Diane began her working life as a waitress in Fair Oaks, California at the age of 12. She worked in that profession on and off for all her working life. She worked at Baker’s Daisy Queen her senior year and also went to work at Conway-Winters Shoe Factory after her son’s birth in 1968. Most of the time, she worked two jobs to support her family. In 1981, Diane and her mother partnered to establish “Granny’s Cafe” where she worked until it sold in 1994. In 1991, she bought a local tavern which she named “Lady Di’s”. Lady Di was a nickname she was given by her dear friend Gen Tyler. She ran Lady Di’s until 2004 when she retired due to ill health.
Diane loved her friends and family and enjoyed entertaining and cooking for them. In 2010, she published a cookbook, “Lady Di’s Dishes” and sold 525 copies. She was a member of the Willow Springs Lion’s Club for 13 years and served as the president for two different terms. She served as secretary on the M.U.N.C.H. board for several years. She was a former member of the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed helping organize the first Oz Fall Fest. She organized many fundraisers and benefits and was supportive and active in the community until her health prevented her from doing so.
After selling her home of 29 years, Diane sold her many collections and antiques and moved to Sunshine Village. It was quite a change, but she loved living there. There were many cookouts and card games going on. Her friends referred to her apartment as “Cafe 55” because she loved cooking for all of them. Diane showed love with her food. If you’ve eaten her hot rolls, dumplings, cookies, banana bread, or any variety of recipes – you were a lucky person. She was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, UNC Tarheels, and any sport her grandkids were playing.
Diane is survived by her two children, Kenneth Darrel (Angela) Cox and Misty Marlene (Kenton) Traver; grandchildren, Michael Wayne Grindstaff, Bradley Ray and Jeremiah Jacob Cox, Corey Dean (Ellie) Traver, Krysteena Michelle (Traver) Lyubenov, Tristan Emery (Danielle) Traver, Kenneth Avery (Aida) Traver, and Rogan Joseph Traver; great-grandchildren, Mathias Rain and Trase Emery; brothers Everett Edward (Jeannie) Murrell of Lahaina, HI, Thomas Elvin (Lana) Cain of Mountain Grove, MO, Lonnie William (Linda) Cain of Willow Springs, MO, and Stillman “Shorty” James Cain of Mountain Grove, MO; and many nieces and nephews. Diane “adapted” many children. She did not adOpt them, but adapted them into her home, heart, and life. There are too many to name, but they know who they are and that she loved them all like her own. Diane is also survived by special friends Derene Kissee, Dianne Allen, and several others.
Diane is currently breathing perfectly, with ZERO pain, and is playing cards with her momma, sister, niece, two brothers, and Granny’s Annie. Diane had her first real conversation with Aunt Mar-Mar, who has perfect hearing. The reunion is GRAND, and the food is the BEST.
The family requests you wear your favorited sports team jersey/outfit, as sports were Diane’s great love.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs, Missouri, with Pastor David Cox officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12-1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Willow Springs City Cemetery, Willow Springs, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
