Diana Powell

Diana Louise Powell, age 70, of Riley, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at her home.

She was born May 8, 1956, in Corona, California, the daughter of Dale Keith and Joanne “Jo” Marie (Young) Acker. As the daughter of an Air Force pilot, Diana experienced travel and adventure from an early age, living in places such as Maine, Kansas, and California throughout her childhood.

On May 1, 2004, she married Bryan Loyd Powell of Riley, KS, who survives at the home.

Diana’s career reflected her deep love for people and serving others. Her professional journey included roles ranging from Marketing Specialist for the U.S. Army in Schweinfurt, Germany, to managing investment portfolios in Manhattan, Kansas, and later serving as both a para-professional and school cook within the Riley County, Linn, and Manhattan school districts. No matter the position, Diana had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and valued.

Diana found joy in life’s simple pleasures and meaningful experiences. She loved baking sourdough bread, canning, cooking, tending to her plants, and collecting treasures, especially her extensive collection of souvenir spoons. She was adventurous by nature, always eager to travel, explore history and culture, and try new foods and experiences.

More than anything, Diana loved people. Her home was a place of comfort and belonging, so much so that many of her children’s friends simply called her “Mom.” She was approachable, warm, and able to strike up a conversation with anyone. She loved being a “team mom,” supporting and encouraging those around her with genuine care and empathy. Beneath her charming and gentle demeanor was an unexpected witty and mischievous sense of humor that brought laughter to those closest to her.

She also enjoyed scary movies and books, crossword puzzles and word searches, and treasured special outings for movie dates, manicures, and pedicures with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Diana had a rare ability to make others feel comfortable and accepted exactly as they were, and that gift will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband Bryan, she is survived by three children, Anthony “Tony” Epperson and Grace of Riley, Brandice “Brandi” Seibold-Stark and Rachel Stark of Manhattan, and Bruce “BJ” Wheeler, Jr. and Philip Jones of Boston, Massachusetts; three sisters, Debi Meyers of Oklahoma, Denise King and John of North Carolina, and Dana Kirschner and Lenney of California; four grandchildren, Ashley Pope (Mitchell), Anthony “AJ” Epperson (Emily), Gabriel “Gabe” Seibold (Julia), and BrookLynn Seibold, and five great grandchildren, Kinley Pope, Kade Pope, Knox Pope, Nolan Epperson, and Rina Seibold; and her beloved dog, Sully.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Dale Acker, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Riley Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to USD 378 Food Service Program, for nutritional services, and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531.