Diane Sue Mitchley was born on March 18, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa to Earl and Josephine (Wenzel) Mitchley. She spent most of her school years in Dubuque, with a few years in Phoenix, Arizona. She was married to Jack Beatty for 56 years until his death in 2020, raising seven children together mostly in Chariton, Iowa. Diane Beatty passed away on October 26, 2024 in Concord, NC, surrounded by her seven children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Diane always said God’s greatest blessings were her children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through good times and challenges, she always said “I am the luckiest person alive” and “I would not trade my life with anyone else in the world.” Everyone who knew her–whether friends of her children, the Priest and parishioners at Sacred Heart Church, or the many neighbors she had over her life–loved and respected her. As a mother, though she had to work various jobs to make ends meet, she always put her seven children before herself and never ceased to find a way to make each one feel uniquely special.

Outside of her family, she found enjoyment in ceramics and crafting. She even opened a craft shop and sold ceramics to make extra income. She also loved a good deal–whether it be using the coupons sent to her in the mail, going to garage sales or going to “her store” (Salvation Army) on Tuesdays for the Senior Citizen 30% off day. She drank her Pepsi until her final days, even once stating when offered a drink to put it “on continuous flow”.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Children Randy (Terri), Lisa (Dave), Dave (Linda), Dan (Pattie), Sue (Dale), Kelly (Steve), and Doug. Grandchildren Josh (Beth), Emma (Cale), Ryan (Gianna), Erin, Kayleigh (Kevin), Taylor, Kenzie, Maya, Jenna (Mat), Braden, Skyler (Allisen), and Hannah (Nigel). Great grandchildren, Bowen, Louie, Bodhi, Bayleigh, Penelope, and Leon Jack. Also surviving her is a brother, Tom (Pat) Mitchley, and special nieces Tricia, Lori, Karie and Jolene.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Earl and Josephine (Wenzel) Mitchley, husband Jack, infant daughter Mari Jo, granddaughter Bailey Alexandra, and grandson Christoffer Joseph.

Our beloved mother will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque Iowa, where the family will have a private burial. Cards to the family can be sent to her daughter, Sue Rea, 3124 Pridemore Dr., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. If you send a card, we would love it if you would share how you knew our mother and any fond memories. Please send any memorials to St. Jude’s Hospital or Sacred Heart Church in Chariton, Iowa–two organizations very close to Mom’s heart.