Patricia “Diane” Englehardt Adams was born in Vandalia, IL on November 7, 1935 to H.B. “Pat” and Eloise Englehardt. She graduated from VCHS with the Class of 1953, attended Illinois Wesleyan University where she was a Kappa Delta, and transferred to Eastern Illinois University. Diane married Don Adams on June 26, 1955 at the First United Methodist Church in Vandalia. She became a 4th grade teacher in St. Elmo until choosing to stay at home to raise her children. After being born an only child, Diane was thrilled to have five children of her own. She also cultivated many friendships that enriched her life throughout her 90 years.
Diane returned to education as a special education aide and librarian at Vandalia Junior High School. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, a literacy volunteer, and a member of Vandalia Bridge Club. She and Don loved to dance. They spent many winters in Gulf Shores. Diane will be remembered for her love of celebrating, dressing up for any theme, wearing boas, and placing a feather in every card she sent. Diane had a host of friends and caregivers that got her through the last several years, living at Brookstone and later at Meridian Village.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents Pat Englehardt and Eloise Wangrow, her stepfather Ervin, her in-laws Maurice and Hilda Adams, brother-in-law James Dale Adams, her husband Don, and two daughters, Patti Bohner and Allison Horn, and son-in-law Steve Bohner. She will be missed by her children: Doug (Sue) of Greenville, SC, David of Vandalia, and Elizabeth (Steve) Grant of Edwardsville, son-in-law James Horn of St. Peters, MO, her seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church for the Backpack 2 School Mission. She will have a celebration of life at the First United Methodist Church in Vandalia on Friday, July 31: Visitation at 10 a.m . and celebration at 11 a.m. Boas encouraged!
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