Diane M. Skaife

Diane M. Skaife, age 60, of Lancaster, died on Sunday, February 05, 2012, at her home. Diane was born on March 3, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Peter and Yvonne (Heacock) Merkes. She attended Ellenboro School and graduated from Platteville High School in 1969. On October 2, 1970, Diane was united in marriage to her soul mate, Jim Skaife, in Lancaster. She was a 4-H Sewing Leader and served the Lancaster community as a seamstress for the past twenty years. Diane enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, walking and riding the motorcycle with her husband, Jim.

Beloved wife of Jim Skaife, Lancaster; amazing mom of Barb (Brian) Winkler, Lancaster; Laura (Steve) Fritz, Lancaster; wonderful daughter of Peter Merkes, Ellenboro; loved grandma of Shelby Smith, Quentin, Owen, Aurora, and Westin Fritz; supportive sister of Eugene (Karen) Merkes, Cherry Valley, IL; Elaine (Roger) Behncke, Tuscan, AZ; Robert Merkes, Lancaster; Mary (Bernie) Kirschbaum, Lancaster; Janet (Marty) Russell, Belmont; Linda (Paul) Hildreth, Mineral Point; Randy (Ginger) Merkes, Seoul, Korea; Lisa (Ray) Kress, Platteville. Godmother of Thomas Glennon, Peosta, IA; Adam Kirschbaum, Castle Rock; Kerry Merkes, Cherry Valley, IL. She is further survived by many other family members and friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her mother.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial was be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.