Diane Marie King, age 74, of East Dubuque, Illinois, formerly of Stockton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s dementia.

Diane was born on April 24, 1951, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Kenneth (Kenny) and Margaret (Peg) Leadley. She lived a life marked by love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family. For 53 beautiful years, she was the cherished wife and partner of Bill King, with whom she built a home full of laughter, kindness, and enduring love.

Diane’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother to her son Bill (Kelly) King and daughter Tiffany (Tim) Schommer, and a proud, doting grandmother to Lilly, Lacey, Billy, Addey, and Lochlan King, and Ellis and Finn Schommer. Her support was boundless—never missing a single sports game, school event, or moment to cheer on her children and grandchildren. She was their greatest fan, always offering a loud cheer, a high-five, or a tight hug.

During her kid’s childhoods, Diane’s home was a gathering place, always full of their friends enjoying her delicious home-cooked meals and baked goods. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, and she loved nothing more than feeding the people she loved and creating a warm, welcoming environment.

Diane’s professional life reflected her nurturing spirit. She worked as a school cook, delighting in baking for others, and later as a librarian—perfectly suited for her lifelong love of reading. She had a special fondness for Christmas and could often be found with a dog curled up in her lap, watching Hallmark movies and soaking in the simple joys of the season.

Diane had an immense love for animals, especially dogs. Over the years, she rescued and cared for many dogs, each one finding not just shelter, but a true home with her. Her dogs were cherished members of the family, and her gentle, compassionate heart made her a true friend to animals in need.

Her kindness, patience, and gentle humor left an imprint on all who knew her. Diane created a life filled with warmth, generosity, and grace, and her memory will continue to be a guiding light for those who were lucky enough to love her.

A visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home (1185 IL-35, East Dubuque, IL) on Monday, June 9th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church (303 N. Galena, Wyoming, IL) at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10th, with a luncheon at the Catholic Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s honor to Animal Welfare Friends animalwelfarefriends.org or Hospice of Dubuque hospiceofdubuque.org, two organizations close to her heart.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©