Diane Stewart Peebles 88, of Springfield, MO, died holding the hands of her daughters Sunday December 28, 2014 at 10:00 am. Diane was born in Independence, KS, however she had many adventures since the family moved to Laguna Beach, CA, Tucson, AZ, Santa Fe, NM, and finally Nogales, AZ. She attended the University of Arizona for 2 years before eloping with Claude A. Peebles, also from Independence Kansas, on January 1, 1946. Upon graduating from the school of engineering at KU, Claude joined the Frisco Railroad where he retired as Assistant Chief Engineer. During their marriage the family relocated every 18 months. By the time the family settled in Springfield, MO, they had 4 children and had lived in Ft Scott, KS (twice), Springfield, MO, (3 times), FT Smith, AR, Enid, OK, and Chaffee, MO, (twice). Diane was a dedicated wife and mother who was active in PTA, Cub Scouts, Blue Birds and taught Sunday school. Later she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and many neighborhood organizations. She was a longtime member of SMMA serving as Chair of the museum gift shop and also served as a long time election judge. She also supported the preservation of local schools and Galloway Greenway. Diane was an avid reader who loved the local libraries and passed the love of reading to all of her children. The family loved to travel visiting Scandinavia, Great Britain, Canada, Mexico and Central America. Diane personally visited 49 states often with her grandchildren, avoiding North Dakota in case God would think she was done. She had a kind and humane heart, rescuing kittens and stray cats. She studied the many birds attracted to her bird feeders and the antics of the squirrels in her yard. Diane was her family's touchstone and could be depended on for a quick retort or sassy look. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her. Diane was preceded in death by her husband Claude A. Peebles, son Donald S. Peebles and her parents and three siblings. She is survived by her sister Collette Stewart of Independence, KS, cousin Bruce Cornell of Long Beach MS, son Mark A. Peebles and wife Sue of Raleigh, NC, daughter Claudia Peebles and husband David Graybeal of Chicago IL, daughter Marion Peebles her best friend and caretaker of Springfield, MO and 7 grandchildren and 7 great -grandchildren. Memorial services will be scheduled by the family at a later date. Donations may be made to C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, 1328 West Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807, or Meals On Wheels, 1423 North Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65802.