Diana M. Pierson

Diana Marie Pierson, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully after a life filled with love, laughter, and service. She was born on September 19, 1953, in Salina, Kansas, to Iona and James Wiseman.

Diana spent her early years in Salina, attending Glennifer Hill Elementary and First Baptist Church. Her family later moved to McPherson, Kansas, where she became a member of First Baptist McPherson and graduated with honors from McPherson High School in 1971. During high school, Diana embarked on a meaningful missionary trip to a Navajo reservation in Arizona, an experience that likely shaped her compassionate spirit.

She pursued higher education, attending Emporia State University and Kansas Wesleyan University. Diana graduated with honors from Emporia in May 1975, earning an elementary education teaching certificate with a concentration in art. She completed her student teaching at Glennifer Hill in Salina, coming full circle to her childhood school.

In the fall of 1971, Diana met the love of her life, Dale Pierson, at a school mixer in Emporia. Their connection was immediate, leading to a beautiful marriage of over 52 years. They were united in marriage on May 20, 1973, at First Baptist Church in McPherson. Dale had "ma vie, mon amour" (French for "my life, my love") inscribed in her wedding band, a testament to their deep bond. Their relationship, like any long marriage, had its unique moments, from a memorable wardrobe malfunction at a John Denver concert to a shared commitment to calm communication that fostered a lifetime of harmony.

Diana began her professional journey as a second-grade teacher at Solomon Grade School from 1975 to 1981. Her time there was marked by humorous anecdotes, like mistaking cattle for bears, leading to a much-needed eye exam. From 1973 to 1978, while Dale taught at St. John’s Military School, Diana embraced the role of a "substitute mom," baking cakes and cookies for dozens of teenage boys.

Though unable to have biological children after a tubular pregnancy in 1980, Diana's heart was always open to motherhood. She and Dale became foster parents to Harlan and Jimmy and joyfully adopted their daughter, Jamie, from the Oklahoma City Deaconess Home in June 1981. Diana cherished her time as a stay-at-home mom from 1981 to 1983, lovingly making dresses for Jamie and dedicating herself to church activities. She volunteered extensively, assisting with the 2–3-year-olds in Sunday School, participating in ABW, and leading Evening Senior High Youth with Dale. Her dedication extended to the church choir for one year and learning stained glass. Diana modeled her homemaking after her mother, creating a spotless and welcoming home, always ready for guests. She was also a talented baker, known for her delicious pies, cookies, and lasagna.

From 1983 to 2008, Diana continued her passion for education, teaching second grade at Sunset School in Salina. She then transitioned to a speech pathologist paraprofessional role from 2008 until her retirement in 2018.

On July 7, 1989, Marcus was welcomed into the family through private adoption. As he grew, Marcus was a loving and supportive presence in Diana’s life, offering significant care and assistance, especially during her times of need.

Diana loved to travel, creating cherished memories on family vacations. Her adventures took her to the majestic landscapes of Colorado (Red Feather Lake, Black Forest, Royal Gorge, Pike’s Peak, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Mead, Steamboat Springs, Denver Zoo), the grandeur of Wyoming (Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Cody), Idaho (Henry’s Lake), Montana (Earthquake Lake), and South Dakota (Devil’s Tower, Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, Rapid City, Mitchell Corn Palace). She also explored Texas (Dallas, San Antonio), Kentucky (Lexington Horse Park), Ohio (Cincinnati), Missouri (Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis), Washington D.C., Florida, California, and Arizona. Her absolute favorite destination was the Big Island of Hawaii.

Diana is survived by her loving husband, Dale Pierson; her daughter, Jamie Pierson; her son, Marcus Pierson; and her sisters, Pat Seger (late Dennis) of Houston, and Linda Witten (late Carl) of Emporia. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

With blessed assurance, Diana has "knocked on heaven’s door" and been welcomed home. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.

A casual, come as you are to praise God, celebration of Diana’s well spent life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Salina First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Hazelton officiating. This will be followed with a pot luck lunch/meal at 1:00 PM. For those traveling from afar, please know you are not expected to bring a side dish for the meal. 

To view a live-stream broadcast of the service, please CLICK HERE

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to First Baptist Church, Salina, Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals, or the Glioblastoma Research Organization, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.