She was born on July 29, 1950, in Greensburg, Indiana, the daughter of Edgar Guy Kitchin and Virginia Elizabeth (Burk) Kitchin. Diana was a proud 1968 graduate of Greensburg Community High School and continued her education at Cottey College. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1989. On January 23, 1976 she married Bob Shawler, her loving husband of 40 years.
Diana dedicated her professional life to serving others as an IT Specialist for the Veterans Administration, where her diligence and care supported countless veterans. Diana was an active member of Taylor Chapel Ministries in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her kindness, compassion, and quiet strength touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She had a gift for crochet, patiently turning simple strands of yarn into beautiful, intricate pieces that will continue to comfort and remind her loved ones of her care for years to come. She will be remembered for her creativity, her gentle presence, and the way she brought people together, through her crafts, her cooking, and her songs.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert “Bob” Shawler; step-son, Lee Shawler; sister, Bev Douglas; brothers, Don, Dick and Larry Kitchin; and niece, Paula Kitchin.
Diana is survived by her step-children, Linda (Jack) Garrison and Karen (Kim) Hathaway; sister, Phyllis Neville; three grandchildren, Jeff Shawler, Logan (Jessica) Hathaway and Adrianne Hathaway; four great grandchildren; three nephews; eleven nieces; and her beloved pup Gracie.
A visitation will be held at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Jerran Jackson will be officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Greensburg/Decatur Co. Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.
