Diane Colleen Dowling, 76, of Ottumwa, died at 11:50 p.m. October 23, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born March 29, 1947 in Ottumwa to John C. and Reva Harryman Dale. Diane married Dan LeRoy Dowling on December 24, 1998.
A 1965 graduate of Ottumwa High School, she was awarded a string bass scholarship to Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, graduating in 1968.
Diane was with Ottumwa Schools, AEA, principal at Seton Catholic School and back to Ottumwa Schools for a total of 42 years. She greatly enjoyed being a counselor at Evans Middle School.
She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in her youth and then a member of First United Methodist Church where she played the organ and piano. She was presently a member of Grace Ottumwa. Diane served on the boards of Ottumwa Civic Music and Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra and had been a member of PEO Chapter HC.
Surviving is her husband, Dan; her son, Matthew (Emily) Bednar of Greensboro, GA; a granddaughter, Marissa; and her brother, John P. Dale of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her body has been cremated.
Memorial services will be 4 p.m. Friday, October 27th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service.
Private inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties or Heartland Humane Society.
