Dianne Leigh Howell, 79, of Wooster died on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at home with her husband and son Scott by her side.
She was born on June 29, 1947, in Wooster to Howard Dwight and Corrine Isabel Schafer Elliott.
Dianne was married to James L. on June 27, 1980, and they were members of St. Mary Church in Wooster.
She worked at Frito Lay for over 23 years. She enjoyed dancing, taking pictures, scrapbooking, music, and enjoyed clog, tap, and line dancing. Dianne loved traveling with the Cassidy Dancers.
Dianne is survived by her children Scott Perry of Grove City, Michaela (Denny) Borneman of Cape Girardeau, MO, Rod (Jennifer) Howell of Simi Valley, CA, and Jimmy (Melinda) Howell of Wooster; sister Karen (Ed) Dillow; grandchildren Lydia (Travis) Payne, Katie Borneman, Felicity Howell, and Bixby Howell; and great-grandchildren Gabby and Grace Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Philip Elliott.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday September 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Fa. David Chojnacki officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements are being handled by the Mcintire, Bradham, and Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron, Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Dianne was one year behind me at St Mary Catholic school. Always smiling and seemingly always happy she would brighten our student days.
Many pleasant childhood memories. God Bless her family.
Dianne was a special lady. She was kind, generous and always positive. You could count on her smile! She will be missed by many, including me. As a person of faith I’m sure our Heavenly Father already greeted her with open arms.
So sorry for your loss. I have known Dianne fir many years and always enjoyed our talks. If there is anything I can do for the family, please contact me.
Dianne was such a sweet person. Always caring and supportive. Always listening and willing to help in anyway she could. She will always hold a special place in my heart. We will all miss her and her smiles .Love You !
Rest in Peace Dianne !
You will be missed. Was good to know you the time I knew you.
When I think of Dianne, I remember her smile. She was always smiling, friendly, and sincere. May God welcome you with open arms. God bless all. Keep your memories close to your heart, Howie and family.
Family of Dianne, Through the years of knowing this amazing and kind woman, it has been my honor to call her a friend. We had dancing in common. That linked us together as children, but also put us together as adults. I will never forget that or that she visited my mother every week in the nursing home. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim, I am sorry for your loss and that I couldn’t make it to the funeral. My love and prayers are with you.
Jim I am so sorry She sounds like she was a great woman Just lean on God and I am here if you need to talk
Jim and family sincere condolences on the passing of sweet Dianne cherish all the beautiful memories you all have shared over the years. May God‘s love comfort each of you heaven received a beautiful lady.