Jennifer Diane Midyett

Jennifer Diane Midyett, 79, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on January 24, 1947, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Leonard Midyett and Ruby Faye (Borders) Midyett. Diane often reminisced about her childhood in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where she and her cousins would race each other up the hills, trying to outrun the rain. She also treasured memories of summers on the Midyett family farm in Viburnum, Missouri, where simple days often ended with leisurely walks into town for ice cream. She loved telling stories of her school years in St. Louis, where class field trips included ice skating in Forest Park and performances by the St. Louis Symphony—memories that stayed with her throughout her life.

Diane embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved dancing with friends, spending time on the river, camping, and traveling. Some of her happiest memories were made on dance floors, where she and her dear friend, Bill English, could often be found dancing the night away. She also held close to her heart the cherished memories of the annual Spring Fling and Fall Ball adventures she shared with lifelong friends. Those moments, filled with laughter and friendship, remained some of her favorite stories to tell.

She enjoyed a long and successful career as a business and finance manager in the automotive industry, earning numerous Mark of Excellence awards for her dedication and outstanding performance. She took pride in her work and in the relationships she built throughout her career.

More than anything, Diane will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering independence, loyal friendship, and the fierce love she had for those closest to her. She was the first to lend a helping hand and found genuine joy in taking care of others. Even in her final days, she was happily planning ways to furnish and decorate her great-grandson's dorm room for his upcoming move to college—a perfect reflection of the way she loved, always thinking of someone else before herself.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. Her son, Shane, was her heart, and her grandson, Dustin, along with her great-grandchildren, Hannah and Nicholai, brought immeasurable pride and happiness to her life. She delighted in every milestone, every visit, every phone call, and every opportunity to make memories with them. They were truly the loves of her life. While her family grieves the tremendous loss of her presence, they find comfort in believing that among Heaven's greatest blessings was Diane's long-awaited reunion with her beloved son, Shane—a reunion filled with the love that neither time nor distance could diminish.

Diane is survived by her cherished grandson, Dustin (Shannon) Midyett of Poplar Bluff; her brother, Mike Midyett; her sisters, Terry (Gary) Moss and Vicki Midyett; her great-grandchildren, Hannah Lane and Nicholai Lane; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Shane Midyett; her father and stepmother, Leonard and Betty Midyett; her mother and stepfather, Wink and Faye Byrd; and her sister, Pat McKim.

Those who knew Diane will remember her infectious laughter, warm hugs, generous spirit, and her remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel loved. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but her family and friends will carry her memory in their hearts until the day they are together again.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel, 366 College Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home Facebook page.