On August 24, 2026, the world lost a creative, inspiring, and truly unique soul, the likes of which are rarely seen in a lifetime. Diana Kay Taylor of Media, Illinois was born February 5, 1950, to Helen Truitt of Wapello, Iowa. She was a graduate of the Wapello High School Class of 1968. On December 1, 1979, Diana married her soulmate, Craig Taylor. Together, Diana and Craig raised five children on their Media, Illinois farm. She was a talented interior designer but called being a mom as her greatest career achievement.
Diana lived her life with a spirit that was unmistakably her own. She was creative, unique, independent, and full of energy that could light up a room. Diana was a lifelong student of the universe. Her curiosity knew few boundaries. She possessed a deep and abiding fascination with astrology, numerology, and the mysteries of the world, exploring everything from the paranormal to Native American lore with an open mind and an insatiable desire to understand the unknown. Her fascination with the mysteries of life was simply a reflection of who Diana was: endlessly curious, imaginative, unconventional, and unafraid to think differently. She approached the world with wonder and encouraged those around her to do the same She had a remarkable ability to see beauty and possibility where others might not, and she brought that same imagination and enthusiasm into everything she did.
Those who knew Diana will remember her not only for the things she created and accomplished, but for the way she made people feel. Her personality was larger than life, and her laughter, stories, ideas, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed.
Diana’s remarkable journey through this lifetime may have concluded, but the love she gave, the wisdom she shared, and the unique spark she carried will remain with all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward. She is survived by her husband and soulmate of nearly 47 years, Craig Taylor of Media, Illinois; and her five children: Wendy of Columbia, Missouri; Brent Kennedy (Chris) of Kirkwood; Jade Parker (Dustin) of Media; Paige Leath (Quinn) of Stronghurst; and Jace Taylor of Joy, Illinois. She is survived by three beloved brothers, Andy (Shirley), Joe (Nicki), Randy (Jen) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Diana’s spirit continues through her eleven grandchildren: Alec Ell, Madison Sindelar, Christian Ell, Rowan Ell, Londyn Parker, Easton Parker, Brooks Parker, Brittain Parker, Paxton Leath, Pierce Leath, and Taylor Leath; as well as her three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Truitt and her grandparents, Henry and Rosa Giese.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions toward establishing a scholarship in DianaKay Taylor’s name to support the creative arts. This scholarship will be a lasting tribute to Diana’s extraordinary creativity, imagination, and belief in the importance of encouraging others to explore their own unique gifts. Contributions may be left at Banks & Beals Funeral Home. Please visit Diana’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
