BUCKLIN, KANSAS – Diana Kaye Hoover, 77, of Bucklin, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Hill Top House.

Born on February 5, 1948, in Ford, Kansas, to Kenneth "Red" Carlin and June Maxine Carlin. Diana graduated from Bucklin High School in 1966, and went on to earn an accounting degree from Wichita Business College and then a teaching degree from Emporia State University.

Born with a heart full of compassion and a deep love for both family and faith, Diana's life was a testament to selfless love, unwavering belief, and joyful service. She found great joy in sharing her musical gifts, especially through her love of playing the piano and organ at church, at home, and for the residents at her parents' nursing home.

Her career as an educator brought her to classrooms in Centralia, Missouri; Bucklin, Kansas; Lewis, Kansas; and Kinsley, Kansas, where she touched countless lives with her wisdom, patience, and faith.

Diana married the love of her life, Joe Hoover, in 1980. Their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment and love that endured until Joe's passing.

A Christ-fearing woman, Diana's faith was central to her life. Her love for the Lord was evident in her kindness, grace, and service to others. And while her love for her family was boundless, she reserved a special place in her heart for Chiefs football — nearly as sacred a devotion.

Diana's legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the students she inspired, and the family she cherished. Her warmth, laughter, and strong spirit will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Diana is survived by son Brock Hoover (Misty) of Kinsley, Kansas; daughters Sloan Marriott (Mark) of De Soto, Kansas, Paige Brack (Shawn) of Mullinville, Kansas, and Jodi Katz (Chasen) of Russell, Kansas; her brothers Richard Carlin of Bucklin, Kansas and Roger Carlin (Terri) of Iola, Kansas; her sister Dixie Neill (Earle), Cloudcroft, New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter-in-law Jennifer Hoover, an infant son, Adam Tilley, and a grandson, Wyatt Tilley.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Bucklin Bible Fellowship Church (former Bucklin United Methodist Church) with Pastor Mark Hornbacker officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bucklin Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 am to service time at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Hill Top House in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.