Diane Ryan

Diane Janene Pabst Ryan, 84, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024, just 15 days after
her beloved husband, John “Jack” Howard Ryan, in a touching testament to their extraordinary
love. Their bond was nothing short of legendary, a true-life reflection of the iconic "Jack and
Diane" from the famous song—a love story of two hearts beating as one for 62 wonderful years.
Born on February 20, 1940, in Woodburn, Indiana, Diane was the daughter of the late Lawrence
Pabst and Lavina Messmann.
Diane and Jack shared a life full of love, laughter, and countless memories. From their wedding
on September 30, 1961, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to their adventures on Crooked Lake in Angola,
Indiana, and their later years savoring life in Florida, their love was an inspiring example of
enduring companionship. Diane’s passing so soon after Jack’s has brought a bittersweet
comfort to her family, who believe that Jack came back to guide her home, hand in hand as they
continue their journey together.
Diane was a woman who truly loved life. She found joy in the simple pleasures—a good drink in
a pretty Tervis tumbler, shopping trips to T.J. Maxx or Coastal Market 607, and the perfect shade
of lipstick. But perhaps one of her greatest gifts was her incredible talent in the kitchen. Diane
was an amazing cook, and her recipes have become the stuff of legend within the family. Her
spaghetti and meatball recipe, in particular, is highly sought after, especially by the women
dating her grandsons. For over 60 years, it has been a family rule that this coveted recipe is
only shared once someone marries into the family—a tradition that has added a special touch of
humor and anticipation to many a courtship.
Diane is survived by her brother Thomas Pabst and sister Kandice Carpenter, brother-in-law
Thomas Ryan, and brother-in-law Thomas Wyss. Diane’s legacy lives on through her children:
Kevin Ryan (Cindy), Molly Croyle (Brian), Kathleen Stoughton (Jeffrey), and Caroline Bellows
(Shawn). She was a proud grandmother to twelve wonderful grandchildren: Jack Ryan, John
“JT” Croyle (Hannah), Jake Bellows (Megan), Mick Ryan, Cole Bellows (Lily), Grey Croyle, Luke
Ryan, Buck Ryan, Gage Bellows, Abigail Stoughton, Danielle Stoughton, and Kyle Stoughton,
as well as four cherished great-grandchildren.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soul mate, her parents, her sister
Shirley (Thomas) Wyss, brother-in-law Donald Carpenter, sister-in-law Patricia Grubbs, brother-
in-law Lt Col Paul Grubbs, Sr, sister-in-law Janel Ryan and son-in-law Jeffrey Stoughton.
Jack and Diane were the epitome of true love, two hearts that beat as one. Their love was the
kind that everyone dreams of, a love that only grew stronger over time. Diane was a devoted
wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her memory, like Jack’s, will forever
hold a special place in our hearts.
In honoring Diane and Jack’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Instead, we invite you to
celebrate their lives in your own way, cherishing the memories and the love they left behind.
Their love story is a beacon of hope, a reminder that true love never fades—it only grows
stronger, even in the face of eternity.
Say, oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of living is gone
They walk on