Diana Kay Dierks, 81, Topeka, formerly of Salina, died May 19, 2025. She was born Jan. 13, 1944, in Sacramento, CA, the daughter of Ben and Evelyn (Haskett) Collier. She met the love of her life, Heinz Dierks in Salina, KS and was married Nov. 18th, 1961. Diana was a politician and served as a republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives for the 71st District from 2013 until 2021. Her prior careers included being a hospital coordinator for the Herington Municipal Hospital and a realtor in Salina with Salinahomes.com where she was named Realtor of the Year in 2015 and served as a member and former President of the Salina Board of Realtors and the board of the Salina Multiple Listing Service.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Heinz. She is survived by her sons; Paul (Tracy) Dierks, Salina, Chris Dierks, Salina and Erich Dierks (Ramie), Amarillo, TX; and a daughter, Susan (Aaron) Slife, Newton, KS. She has a brother in law, Helmet Dierks of Germany and 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Memorial services to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Inurnment will be private in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
For more information or to leave condolences go to www.ryanmortuary.com
Memorials are suggested to the Salina USD 305 Schools Foundation.