Dianna Elaine Rickard

SALEM - Dianna Elaine Rickard, 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 13, 2024. She was born June 20, 1944, in Youngstown, daughter of the late Chester David and Pearl (Myers) Rickard.

Dianna graduated from Girard High School in 1962 where she played in the band, worked on the yearbook and was in the Future Teachers of America. She was an avid reader and had a passion for genealogy, puzzles and interior design.  She had a love like no other for her family and friends, unless Judge Judy was on TV. Dianna loved being a teacher teaching English and Mythology at United Local Schools. She spoke of her former students often, keeping in touch with them until her passing. Her passion for helping young minds also translated into hosting five children from Belarus in her home with the Children of Chernobyl organization and organizing donations of toiletries and toys to send to Belarus through Friends from Afar. Her family and friends will miss the light and laughter she brought to them.

Surviving are her furry kids, Digger and Kentucky Kitty; nephew, Gerald D. “Jerry” Rickard, Jr. of Cleveland, OH; niece, Sherry Rickard Kish and her husband, Robert of Galena, OH; two grandnephews, Evan Carter Rickard of Branson, MO, and Robert Vincent Kish IV of Columbus, OH; loved family without need for titles, Patricia and Jack Morgan, and her Belarussian family, Tanya, Sergey, Vladik and Slava of Gomel, Belarus.

Memorial calling hours will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home in Salem, OH. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio at www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org or the Angels for Animals Veterinary Clinic at www.angelsforanimals.org. 

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Dianna's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dianna Elaine Rickard, please visit our floral store.