Diane Mae Mullinax (Smith), age 77, of Manhattan, died June 17, 2024, at Bramlage House at Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan, Kansas.
Diane was born May 31, 1947, in Lenora, Kansas to Crusen and Norma Smith. She grew up on the family farm in rural Norton, Kansas, graduating from Norton Community High School in 1965. She attended Kansas State University, then chose to marry and start a family. While in Norton she worked at Warden’s Jewelry Store, Eisenhower Elementary School, and Northwest Communications. In 1992 Diane and husband Ron moved to Manhattan, Kansas. Diane enjoyed helping others and volunteered at numerous church and civic organizations.
Diane married Ron Mullinax, the absolute love of her life, in Norton on September 11, 1966. They made their home in Norton, then Manhattan KS. They raised two sons, Mike and Mark. Diane was dedicated to her family and actively supported family activities. She and Ron were church youth group leaders, and enjoyed car clubs. She loved sewing, knitting, needlepoint and crafts. She was active and enjoyed going to the gym almost every day. Her greatest love was providing a loving home and environment for her family and friends, spending time with family, and doing absolutely anything for her husband, children, grandchildren, and countless friends.
Diane is survived by her two sons, Mike and wife Lynette, and Mark and wife Lisa; three grandchildren Dalton, Haley and Jaxon; and one sister, Cathy Lawlis of Mount Rainier, Maryland.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ron, and by her parents Crusen and Marcella Smith and mother Norma Smith.
A celebration of life and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 22nd, at First Presbyterian Church, 801 Leavenworth Street in Manhattan, with Pastor Jason Pittman officiating. A light lunch will be served at the church at the conclusion of the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church, or the National Guard Museum. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Kansas 66502.