Diane Sue Callaway, 70, passed away at the University of Wisconsin Hospital at Madison, due to complications from sudden-onset brain seizures.
She was the fourth daughter of Lester and Vera Rice Callaway, born September 6, 1955. Diane graduated from Burlington High School in 1973 and after attendance at Iowa State University, she headed to Kansas with a friend.
Settling in Independence, she worked in a plastics factory, initially in production. Soon she was promoted as their first female forklift driver and then to managing her own crew, many of whom became lifelong friends. Her spare time was full of friends and their families, and producing videos of sports, parades and community events for the community television channel. Given she was an accomplished carpenter and handy-woman, she rehabilitated what became a lovely little Craftsman home.
A change in company management and her parents failing health sparked her return to Burlington to care for parents and rehabilitate another small house. This “Oh my…” house was built before Iowa’s statehood and had exterior walls of walnut!
Standard of Beaverdale became a new “family” where she shared her skills, knowledge and humor with customers. For eighteen years she and partner, Cindy Eaves, spoiled their beloved ‘goldens’ and then calico cat “Callie”.
The stained-glass club, gardening and woodworking occupied spare time, as well as occasional travel, lunch with siblings, and always being generous with her time helping others.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, sister Beth Schwenker, and partner Cindy Eaves.
She is survived by her sisters Barbara Bonnett, Darlene Reid (Robert), brother Roger Callaway (Chrissie), niece Kathy Schwenker, “Callie” and extended family.
Please join family and friends in honoring Diane by wearing denim to her casual 4-6 pm visitation w/snacks and 6 pm service at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Inurnment will be later at the Aspen Grove Cemetery Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to PAW Ft. Madison or DMC Humane Society.