Diane Eileen (Bates) Barth, 74, passed away on March 31, 2026. She was from Ft. Wayne, the daughter of William and Mildred (Schellenbach) Bates. She graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 1969. Diane was a nurse and began her career in Ft. Wayne. She also lived in Milwaukee, WI for many years and devoted most of her career there to caring for the elderly. Diane was very creative and enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, gardening, sewing, and jewelry making. She loved to bake for others and always enjoyed time spent with friends. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceeded in death by her siblings, Steven, Michael, Gary, and Suzanne. She is survived by her sister, JoAnn (Joe), daughter Emily (Douglas) Emerson, 2 grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Diane will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.  Attendees should gather at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue at 3:00 p.m.