Diane Louise LaPene

DIANE LOUISE LAPENE, 70, of Sidney, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio passed away at 5:22 P.M. Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Shelby Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born on May 7, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of the late Stephen and Thelma Louise (Severin) Ganzel.

Diane is survived by her three sons, Charles "Rick" LaPene of Botkins, William "Bill" (Siriwan) LaPene, and Chris Vandenberg, both of Mansfield; twelve grandchildren, Kevin, Coby, Amber, Dalton, Ashton, Wynston, Gracyn, Dominick, Lelu, Deahna, Mercy and Rylee Jaide; four great-grandchildren, Kaden, Addy, Brennan and Evan; and three siblings, Carol Ganzel, Becky (Ken) Kelly and Stephen (Vickie) Ganzel Jr. She was preceded in death by daughter-in-law and wife to her son Chris, Liv Vandenberg.

Diane held an associate's degree in business administration and accounting from Stautzenberger College in Toledo. She owned and operated a home-based tax business for many years and had also worked for H&R Block preparing taxes. Diane spent a significant portion of her working life in running group homes for the mentally disabled. There are so many things we would love to say about our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Diane. It is hard to put into words the way we feel, though all would agree she was the one who stayed consistent through the chaos. She was our biggest supporter, and taught us many things about life and ourselves individually. We had tough times like everyone else, but we always found our way out of it together and came out stronger. We are truly devastated and hope she can look down and see how much she's helped out our family; How far she pushed us all in being better. We weren't ready, but you were… and that's okay. We will be okay. Diane not only was the heart of our family but the glue and foundation that held us all together. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is loved and missed by all.

Services will be held at a later date at the family's convenience. Arrangements are in the care of Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to Diane's family at our website, www.cromesfh.com

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