Ruth ‘DiAnn’ Westerhold, 83, of Kansas City, MO, passed peacefully on November 21, 2024 surrounded by her children. Born in Murphysboro, IL on September 24, 1941, she lived a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others.

As a young woman, DiAnn was a vibrant spirit, deeply involved in her community serving as class president, yearbook editor, and even hosting her own radio show, the “Teen Show”. During the summers, she worked as camp counselor for both Girl Scouts and the Easter Seals. After high school, DiAnn attended Southern Illinois University, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Raymond William Westerhold.

Together, DiAnn and Bill embarked on their journey together, starting their careers & family in Columbus, OH.  Over the years they called many, MANY states home; from New Jersey, California, Iowa, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Iowa (AGAIN) and finally settling in Kansas City, MO. Throughout their travels, DiAnn cared for the family and embraced each new community with open arms, hosting dinner parties, theme nights, and unforgettable children’s birthday celebrations. Her home was a welcoming space, known for its warmth and hospitality. The Westerhold kids fondly remember their mother always making a meal & taking time to sit down when their friends were over – chit chatting and offering some of her motherly wisdom.  DiAnn's advice, 'Put your lipstick on, you'll feel better,' will always live on.

In her spare time, DiAnn enjoyed traveling with Bill, volunteering, and advocating for her community and her children. She regularly volunteered at the school, served on the PTO, and as a class mom. In her later years, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as President of North Kansas City Hospital's Auxiliary board.

After her beloved husband passed away in 2021, DiAnn moved to McCrite Plaza senior living community. She quickly made many new friends there, with whom she enjoyed dining with and cheering the Chiefs onto victory during McCrite's watch parties. 

DiAnn is survived by her loving children and grandchildren; daughter Heidi Baty and her husband, David of Houston, TX; son, Bill Westerhold and his wife Molly of Roanoke, VA; daughter Tressa Madsen & her husband Havard from Fredrikstad, Norway and her youngest daughter, Ali Condron and her husband, Ryan of Parkville, MO. Her eleven grandchildren: Tyler, Kaitlyn, Maddie and Ella Westerhold – Jenna & Will Baty - Dane & Eva Skofterud - Reese, Rhett and Quinn Condron.  She is also survived by her brother and his wife, Mike and Sue Reid – her brother-in-law and his wife, John and Kathy Westerhold.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond William Westerhold and her parents, Mary and John B. Reid.

As DiAnn would have wanted, her family will be hosting a joyous celebration in early March.  Friends and family are welcome to celebrate her life at that time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on her behalf to the American Heart Association.