Diane Hilyard Houston

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Diane Hilyard Houston was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 1, 1947, to Harold and Leola (Stimbert) Hilyard. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Denny.

Diane is survived by her husband, Richard Houston, whom she married on September 4, 1988 in Maryville, MO.

Diane was a loving mother and step-mother to Debbie (Tom) From, Lisa Drummond, Jeanie (Jeff) Webster, Randy Houston, and Connie (Kody) Kline.

Diane loved children, especially her grandchildren, step-grandchildren and the next generation of great grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother to Corey From, Brady (Cassondra) From, and Matthew Drummond; step-grandmother to Brian (Alyissa) Webster, Travis (Darci) Webster, Calvin (Kate) Webster, Hannah Webster, Marissa Houston, Cole (Kindra) Houston, Alyssa (Blake) Barron, and Megan (Jonathan) Downing.

Gram Gram/GiGi was cherished by her great grandchildren: Madilynn From, Kyler From, Archer Webster, Freya Webster, Leo Webster, Dinah Webster and Penny Downing.

Diane graduated from Northwest Missouri State University. She served as Director of the Maryville Public Library from 1979 to 2009, where she played an instrumental role in the library’s expansion and renovation from 1996 to 2001. Her leadership, dedication, and vision left a lasting impact on the library and the community it serves.

After her retirement, Diane dedicated her time to volunteering with the New Nodaway Humane Society, where she found joy in caring for animals and supporting their mission. She especially loved spending time with her beloved pets, Murphy and Tucker, and traveling.

Diane was a life long Nebraska Cornhusker fan and attended football games every season. She also loved to cheer on the Chiefs and the Royals.

Diane was a member of AAUW, the First Methodist Church, and the First Christian Church. She also served as a past P.E.O. Chapter HT president, a member of the New Nodaway Humane Society Board of Directors, and as secretary for the Second Century Library Foundation Fund/Maryville Public Library.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the New Nodaway Humane Society or the Maryville Public Library.

Graveside services will be on November 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Lincoln, NE.

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November3

Graveside Service

1:00 pm CST

Fairview Cemetery

8400 Adams St, Lincoln, NE 68507

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November 4, 2025

Aunt Diane always made us feel loved through the many visits, phone calls and gifts or cards on birthdays and Christmas. We went to many Nebraska football games together and it was always great to see her and usually watch the Huskers win. She will be missed greatly.

– Kevin and Darrin Hilyard

October 22, 2025

Diane Houston was a wonderful person and a great P.E.O. member. She served as the President of Chapter HT and was know for her great dinner parties for our chapter. She was Jerry & Ann’s former neighbor on 16th Street. We will miss her always.

– Ann Brekke

October 18, 2025

I enjoyed working with Diane doing volunteering work for the Humane Society and she brought me into PEO. I have many fond memories of her and I’m very saddened by her death.