Diane M. (Kunkel) Jones, of Ankeny, IA, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born November 1, 1949, to Clair and Ruth (Lux) Kunkel. Diane grew up in Cuba City and graduated from Cuba City High School in 1967; from there, she graduated from St Mary’s in Madison, WI, as an x-ray technician.
Diane started her family in Baraboo, WI, before residing for many years in Dodgeville, WI, where she raised her family and continued her career in the medical field. As her children will attest, you could always look up in the stands and see mom there to watch whatever event was happening—band concerts, volleyball games, basketball games—it didn't matter, mom was there.
Devoted to her mother, Ruth, Diane moved back to Cuba City to be closer to her and return to her roots. It wasn’t long before fate led to a reunion with her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Stephen Jones. They quickly realized their love was never-ending and married on September 25, 2004, in Las Vegas, NV. They lived for many years in Bakersfield, CA and traveled across the region on adventures, where they enjoyed conversations and sipped wine at their favorite spots.
Throughout her life, Diane enjoyed many hobbies. She was crafty—either making things for the craft show or putting together her own cards to send for special occasions. If there was a party or event she needed to host, she thrived on planning it perfectly. She loved to bake, and we all enjoyed her strawberry slush in the summertime.
Diane was a devoted grandmother who loved to spend time with her grandchildren—even if it meant cleaning pudding off the walls or putting the Tupperware containers back in an orderly fashion in the cupboard. Coloring was her specialty—she loved to sit and color for hours with all her grandchildren. She never minded when a little hand would appear on her plate to steal a bite of pancake.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Clair and Ruth Kunkel, and a special Aunt and Uncle, Iola and Stan Thor.
Diane is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen Jones of Ankeny, IA; daughter Kristin (Kyle) Johnson and children Joseph and Julius of Johnston, IA; daughter Kami and children Logan and Harper of Urbandale, IA; and a dear cousin and close friends, Lois and Greg Herbst.
In lieu of services, Diane would want you to have a glass of wine to celebrate life with your loved ones.