LEESBURG, FLORIDA - Diane Marie (nee: Stanton) Rode, 63, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, October 27, 2012 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 27, 1949 in Racine Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Wayne A. and Doris A. (nee: Campbell) Stanton. Diane was united in marriage to Arthur Rode on July 2, 1983 at Emmaus Lutheran Church. Diane retired from Wisconsin Natural Gas Co./WE Energies in 2005 after working as an engineering clerk with many responsibilities for 38 years. Diane enjoyed living in Florida the past seven years, where she continued her love of sewing, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. She also enjoyed line dancing, painting class, quilting, travel and volunteering at the library. Cherished wife of Arthur Rode, loving mother of Denise (Brian) Keller, Daniel (Wendy) Haas, Robert (Kara) Rode and Ryan Rode. Beloved grandmother of Michaela, Erin, Wendy and Stacy Keller, Sharra (Gabe) Molina, Will and Ava Rode, Matthew and Kaitlyn Rode; great grandchildren, Talon and Khloe Molina. Also survived by brothers, Dave (Bonnie) Stanton and John (Reneé) Stanton and sister-in-law, Gini (Jim) Waltz, as well as aunt and uncle, Lynn and Lee Gillette. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Diane also made several lifelong friends, including her best friend Nancy (Carl) Petersen, and her beloved kitty, Sammie. Services will be held at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1925 Summit Ave. on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Mary Janz officiating. Diane will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the church on Monday, before services from 9 a.m. to time of service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Diane was an extreme cat lover, so for those wishing to remember her in a special way may make donations to Hope Safe House, 1911 Taylor Ave., Racine, WI 53405 or to Kindred Kitties, 614 59th St., Kenosha, WI 53140 or to the has been suggested. Diane was incredibly thoughtful and kind and touched many people's lives. She will be sorely missed by those blessed enough to have been loved by her. Sturino Funeral Home 3014 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI 53404 262-632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome.com