Diane Scheopner

April 20, 1949 — April 22, 2026

Goodland, Kansas

Diane Scheopner. Picture courtesy of Koons-Russell Funeral Home

Sheryl Diane (Stone) Scheopner, 77, of Goodland, KS, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.

On April 20, 1949, the world became more beautiful and fun when Jim and Rosalie (Hutchens) Stone, of McAlester, OK, welcomed their second child – a precious, adventurous, creative daughter they called Diane.

After graduating from Campus High School in Wichita, KS, Diane attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia (now Emporia State University) where, walking across campus one afternoon, the 5’0” co-ed caught the eye of 6’2” defensive end Richard Scheopner of Goodland, prompting him to announce to his buddy, “that’s the woman I’m going to marry.” He was right. On July 26, 1969, Diane and Richard were married in Haysville, KS. Following their time in Emporia, they made a wonderful life together in northwest Kansas, becoming the second generation to lead Scheopner’s Water Conditioning, clowning together with the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Rollers Klown Club, and raising their four children to continue the legacy of faith and community service that their own parents had passed to them.

Diane contributed to the community she loved in many ways, serving the USD 352 school board from 1985-1992 as a member and president, Beta Sigma sorority, and F.A.C.E.S. organization. Diane touched the lives of many children beyond her own family as a substitute teacher, a foster parent, a beloved aunt, and an entrepreneur who owned and operated The Balloon Shop on Main Street, making celebrations special in the 1980s and 1990s, before she turned her full attention to her career working with Rich in their Culligan business.

Diane knew how to enjoy life. She looked forward to water aerobics, line dancing, and playing games with her family. She and Rich were hard to beat at pitch or hearts, but it was always hilarious fun to try. Many favorite memories with Diane include a lake, a boat, and a camper. She loved all water sports and delighted in water skiing even into her early 70s. She and her beloved boat captain, Rich, patiently taught generations of kids (and a good number of young adults) to water ski. Diane took an avid and proud interest in the activities of her children and grandchildren, attending as many games, concerts, tournaments, and recitals as she could. She treasured family gatherings and was blessed with a large and dearly loved extended family.

Left to remember Diane with gratitude are her children Jason (Jessica) Scheopner of Omaha, NE, Ryan (Sarah) Scheopner o f Goodland, Kendra Aspegren of Omaha, and Kyla (Loren) Sheldon of Goodland and her grandchildren William (Jillian) Scheopner, Juliana Scheopner, Claire Scheopner, Allyson (Brysun) Waters, Jonathan Scheopner, Trent Sheldon, Rhett Scheopner, Catherine Scheopner, Dreya Aspegren, Brecken Aspegren, Shelby Scheopner, Eleanor Scheopner, Clark Scheopner, and Harper Sheldon.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Diane is survived by her mother Rosalie Stone, brother Dick (Mary) Stone, sister Sandy Patterson, brothers-in-law Harold Scheopner, John Scheopner, and Andy Scheopner, sisters-in-law Phyllis Gertge, Irene Light, Joan (Jim) Charles, and Cathy (Larry) Esquibel, and many cherished nieces and nephews and their families as well as wonderful friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Richard Scheopner, her father James A. Stone, her parents-in-law Clarence and Clara Scheopner, her sisters-in-law Judy Scheopner, Liz Scheopner, and Mary Lou Scheopner, and her brothers-in-law Steve Patterson, Dave Gertge, and Harold Light.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to the Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.