Diane Alice Wood, 73, of Springfield, MO passed away Monday, January 27, 2025. She was born September 22, 1951, to John and Alice "Patsy" Wood in Rahway, NJ.

Diane was the oldest of three children born to John and Pat Wood. Her little sister, Suzie followed in March of 1953. Her little brother, John, known as "Newt," followed in June of 1954. Diane was a good big sister and did her best to keep Suzie and Newt in line. Although she did show them where the Easter baskets were hidden one year! Growing up Diane and her family lived in Brazil, where they had 2 parrots, and she would often share a coconut with a neighbor while her brother and sister took a nap. Diane was not keen on taking naps! The family also lived in Saudi Arabia where their father worked as a mechanic on heavy tractor equipment. There they had 2 Saluki dogs, Mafi and Prince. The dogs would follow Diane and her siblings everywhere! Diane was the only one in the 6th grade class in Saudi Arabia. The teacher gave her the teachers manual and all the work. She told Diane to ask her if she had any questions. Also, not to go to the back of the manual to peek at the answers. Diane told the teacher "How will I learn if I cheat and look at the answers?" While overseas the family toured the Holy Land and even made a trip to Europe. Diane's father liked to take photos, and the family spent many weekends developing pictures that their dad took on their many sightseeing adventures.

Diane was always interested in the theater. Acting was her passion! She would often have the neighborhood children act out movies they had seen. This passion continued in school and Diane excelled in all of her classes. She was in National Honor Society in high school. Diane went on to attend Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee and graduated with a BA degree in Theater Arts. She also attended MSU in Springfield Missouri and received her Master's Degree. Diane acted in many plays. She also did a lot of behind the scenes work such as set design, lighting directing and stage management.

She was an avid reader and even took a book to her first grade teacher the day after it was handed out and asked the teacher if she had any more books she could read! Her sister remembers seeing at least 3 books in different rooms of the house. She was told not to mess with them because Diane was reading them! Another passion Diane had was animals. The family had many dogs and cats when they were growing up and Diane continued that passion. She mostly took in strays. She was especially fond of Border Collies and any breed of cat. All of her animals were her babies, and they loved her just as much if not more than she loved them.

Diane worked for over 25 years as a medical records transcriber. She was very dedicated, meticulous and thorough in her work. She would often call the doctor she transcribed for to double check on medications and dosages. She did NOT want to make any errors! She was a very tenderhearted and loving person, and she will be missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and brother.

Diane is survived by her sister, Suzie; nieces, Johanna and Charissa; her nephew, Timothy; 4 great nieces, Auriella, Lucy, Loni and Leah; 2 great nephews, Timothy "TJ" and Killian; many cousins; and friends, especially her loving cat, Felix.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to your local women's shelter or animal shelter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.

I hope the obit isn't took wordy!