Diana Lorraine Mincks

Diana L. Mincks, long -time resident of West Des Moines, Iowa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on November 14th, 2021, age 76, after a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

Diana was born in Albia, Iowa, to Thomas and Flora DeMoss. She was raised by Helen and Webb Dennis of Des Moines. She graduated from North High School in 1964 and Cosmetology school following high school. She met James “Mark” Mincks, in high school and they married on June 18th, 1966, at Visitation Catholic Church. They were happily married for 55 years.

Diana and Mark started their marriage with an early adventure living in Alcala de Henares, Spain, with two infant daughters while Mark was serving in the U.S. Air Force at Torrejon AFB; this sparked her love for travel. She was amazingly creative and enjoyed sewing. With this creative talent and eye for style, she designed many costumes and formal dresses for her daughters as they were growing up. She loved her role as Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Diana could turn a pile of pinecones and a handful of pheasant feathers into something magical. She had a passion for cooking and was known for her homemade braided baked bread at the holidays.

Diana cherished her husband and family, especially her “girls”, Cynthia and Tamara, four precious grandchildren, and her brothers and sisters.

She was a woman of deep faith and she lived with a giving heart. She loved to laugh, and she especially loved to dance. She had eyes that sparkled and a smile that lit up any room.

Diana is lovingly remembered by her husband, James “Mark” Mincks; her children, Cynthia Mincks Haney (Chip Giles) of Grimes, IA; Tamara Mincks Nicolle, (COL (R) Noel T. Nicolle) of Huntsville, AL; her brothers and sisters, Margaret (Peg) Sperring (Dick Sperring), Lewis DeMoss (Jan DeMoss), Mary Coop (Harold Coop) , Patricia (Patty) Graham, Gracie DeMoss (wife of Gary DeMoss), Thomas Demoss (Marge DeMoss), Bobby DeMoss (Bonnie DeMoss), Francis Jane (Fran) Magie (Bill Magie), and Michael DeMoss; a very special cousin, Lynette Dennis and family. And Diana’s grandchildren, Alli Haney, Kila Haney, R. Joseph Nicolle III and James Nicolle.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Flora DeMoss and Wilbert (Webb) and Helen Dennis. Brothers and Sisters, John Demoss, Gary Demoss, Pamela McDonough and Greg DeMoss.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, November 21st, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. A rosary will be prayed beginning at 6:00 pm following the visitation. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 730 W. Benton Avenue, Albia, Iowa.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to two very special in-home caregivers, Jennifer and Jodie; her physicians, Dr. Kevin Cunningham at the Iowa Clinic and Dr. Bruce Hughes at Mercy One Ruan Neurology Care; and the ICU staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

In remembrance of Diana’s life, any charitable donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonFuneralHome.com.

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