The Excelsior Standard, Dec. 22, 2023

Diana Lynn Bernard, 62, of Excelsior Springs went home to be with our Lord on Dec. 9, 2023, after losing a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Diana was born Dec. 15, 1960, to Betty and Robert Bernard.

She grew up in Bonner Springs, Kan., and graduated in 1978 from Bonner Springs High School.

Diana was a longtime resident of Excelsior Springs, living there for nearly 20 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Bernard and Betty J. Bernard; and four siblings, Robbie Bernard, Ronnie Bernard, Bonnie Addie-Bernard and Patricia Moore.

She is survived by two children, Jessica R. Wanger and Jonathan D. Wort; two grandchildren, Miranda Wanger and Kolby Freeman (spouse Cali Sacramento); five siblings, Dennis Bernard, Robert Hutchison, Mikel Hutchison, Kay McNally and Cindy Henson; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at a later date. Diana was a shining light when everything around you felt dark because of how much she cared for her loved ones. She was always right there if you needed help or advice.

She may have delivered that advice with the utmost sass, but her family would not have wanted it any other way. “Life is what you make it” was one of her favorite quotes, and her granddaughter Miranda says it is one thing she will always remember her “Nana” saying.

Diana loved her comfortable “PJ” pants and enjoyed going with her friends to all the cafés in Excelsior Springs. Now, when her loved ones hear the song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban, they think of Diana, as it was one of her favorite songs. When the tune comes on, they imagine the positive impact she had on all their lives. They are grateful for Diana and her light.

Keanu Reeves said, “Given a choice between grief and nothing, I’d choose grief.” The saying rings true because there will forever be a hole in their hearts from losing Diana, but the pain is better than never getting to love her. Let Diana’s memories reign on, as she is never forgotten.