Diane Heinz

Diane Heinz had a love of life without compare. It wasn't enough for her to simply live her life; she crafted it, painted it, sketched it, baked it, explored it, and occasionally smuggled a pet home with one of her grandkids during it. At the end of it, Diane passed away peacefully at home alongside her husband, Bill, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in Liberty, Missouri, on October 16, 1941, to Wayne Alvira Walters and Ava Jewell Quarles, Diane grew up in North Kansas City and graduated from North Kansas City High School. It was in NKC, at the First Christian Church, where she married the love of her life, William R. "Bill" Heinz, on February 12, 1961. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage, growing together through a life filled with love, partnership, and countless adventures.

Diane spent her early career working as an accounting secretary for T.W. Lacey and Associates, Walker Jack Company, and Sunshine Biscuits. Later, she co-owned and served as secretary and treasurer for Metal by the Foot, the business she and Bill built together. She was a devoted member of North Cross Methodist Church for much of her life. Her faith was central to everything she did, and guided the unwavering kindness, patience, and strength she offered everyone around her. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, a group she enjoyed dinners, breakfasts, and social outings of all kinds with.

Despite a life full of accomplishments, if you asked Diane, she would tell you without hesitation that her absolute greatest achievement was being a mother and grandmother. She had two children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her deeply. She was an active presence in all of their lives, and took a special joy in spending “Grandma's House Days” with a few of her grandchildren each Sunday going on adventures, out in nature, or nurturing their creative minds. Ask any of her grandkids, and the days she spent with them will count among the most cherished of their childhoods.

Diane had an insatiable creative mind. Whether she was painting, hand-sketching portraits, sewing, crocheting, or crafting stained glass, she had a rare talent for making anything out of practically nothing. In the rare event she didn’t know how to do something, she simply taught herself with an ease that bordered on unfair. That same passion translated to the kitchen, where she made the absolute best mac and cheese, coconut cream pie, and her signature boy/girl cake — “with and without nuts..”. She knew exactly what she wanted and was never willing to settle, especially when it came to her food (if you know, you know). She inherited a love of puzzles from her mother, as something special they did together. She discovered this love again later in her life, and often had a large dining room table laid out with thousands of pieces as her staging area.

An adventurer at heart, Diane was always down to try something at least once. She loved playing tennis, hiking, exploring, and traveling to new places. She made sure that same spirit was passed down, taking every single grandchild on a special, dedicated trip for their 13th birthday. These trips were never the same, and never boring. They took her and her grandkids around the country, from zoos to amusement parks, sailboats to tree houses, Maine to California, and everywhere in between.

Diane was thoughtful and purposefully spoken, and when she talked, people stopped to listen. She had an incredible memory for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, and never missed an opportunity to send a card. She was outspoken about doing right, and was the first to stand up for someone who needed it. Yet for all her warmth, she was delightfully ornery. She loved a good joke, loved to laugh, and took special joy in poking fun at Grandpa Bill. Above all, she wanted everyone she knew to feel special and loved.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Alvira Walters; her mother, Ava Jewell Quarles; her brother, Wayne Jerome "Jerry" Walters; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Isabella Louise Brandkamp.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, William R. "Bill" Heinz; her son, William A. Heinz; her daughter, Jerri Sue Heinz; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Myranda), Sarah, Jenna, Hannah (Garrett), Karina (Justin), Kaylene (Brandon), and Kathryn; and nine great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

We would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the life of the beloved Diane Heinz. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at North Cross United Methodist Church (1321 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118). The service will begin at 10:00 AM, with her interment and a reception to follow. We would be honored to have you with us as we remember and celebrate a life so deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, Diane requested that anyone willing make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://bloodcancerunited.org/) in her name.