Services for Dianna E. (Thomas) Raybern, 81, of Lawrence, will include a visitation on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Graveside Services will follow at McLouth Cemetery in McLouth, Kansas, on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Raybern passed away on September 1, 2026, at her son Shane’s home.
She was born February 20, 1945, in Sabetha, Kansas, the daughter of French and Pearl (Hillix) Thomas. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. Dianna worked at Owen’s Flower Shop, Maupintour, and A-1 Mini Storage.
Dianna was a devoted mother who dedicated her life to raising her children and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her youth, she enjoyed roller skating, and throughout her life had a love for dancing, drawing and artwork, and visiting with friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lawrence and the Eagles Lodge Women’s Auxiliary.
She married Gerald Raybern on August 7, 1965, in Eudora, Kansas; they later divorced.
Survivors include two daughters, Sondra (Pat) Murphy of Lawrence, KS, and Belinda (John) Godden of West Palm Beach, FL; a son, Shane Raybern of Lawrence, KS; six grandchildren, Brittney (Adrian) Levsky, McKayla (PJ) Paez, Kylee (Tony) Gioannini, Tia Raybern, Nathan (Laura) Raybern, and Jakeb Murphy; seven great-grandchildren, Mila and Lena Levsky, Margot Gioannini, Isla and Raya Paez, Rosalina and Raelynn Raybern, and another great-granddaughter on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat, Dolly.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Howard and infant brother, Ronald French Thomas.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044, to assist with the purchase of a headstone.
I only meant Dianna once when I was with Karen (Mathis) Hobbs (my wife) 45 years ago. We always lived in the west but Karen and Dianna always were close friends. Karen would be with you if she were on this earth, but I’m sure she was there last Tuesday meeting Dianna.
Sondra, Belinda and Shane,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, Dianna. My mother Karen always spoke very fondly of her, they graduated together in 1963 LHS. I know she had contact with her in the last 10 years by phone because her number was still in her house phone contacts. Karen passed in July 2024. Her middle name was Diana, and she gave me that name, too… I know she would accidentally call me and say oops, I meant to call my friend Dianna with 2n’s ! I remember you two girls from school ( me class of 86) when we were young. My condolences to your family, Love – Diana Pearson (one N)
I love you so much, Grandma. I wish I could call you on the phone and hear your voice already. You’re the sweetest and funniest person I’ve ever known. I wish we had more time for you to meet Margot. Every single birthday I have from now on, I’ll be wishing I could receive a call from you and hear you sing me happy birthday. Until we meet again ❤️
I met my dear friend Dianna when I was 13 years old. We had fun times drinking Pepsi and eating whatever special kind of cookies those were. We lived right across the road. 54 years later and we have kept in touch every week. I will definitely miss our visits and your smiles and laughter. You will always be my 2nd mom. I will miss you so much. Rest in peace dear friend.
Sondra, Belinda and Shane, so very sorry for the loss of your Mother.
Love you forever grandma 💕💕
Oh Diana, such a ‘foreign’ thought… you being gone. We met in 1958, (long distance “dated”) and went out in 1959… I remember it was chilly and we were with your friend Leslie Weidman, plus my friend Harold Gawd, were we naive’ Years later, we laughed about how nervous I was (A girl, actually WANTING to kiss me! Wow!) Distance was a factor, so we went our ways… me to the Na y, and you, there. I never saw you at Uncle Hank’s services, but Marcia “hooked us up” by text and phone. Sleep well, sweet Diana… I still have the ‘drug store photo-booth” photos, from back then… So, I’ll get older – but YOU will forever stay young… with bows in your hair, and a smile on your face. Love, Tom
I’m going to miss my cousin Dianna and her calls. Loved her so. ❤️