Diane Kay Wertz

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diane Kay Wertz, who left us peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Diane was born on July 10, 1947, in Clarion, Iowa, to her loving parents, Walter "Wally" and Lenore "Lennie" Beach.

Diane was a proud graduate of Webster City, Class of 1965. After graduating from high school, she completed beauty school. Diane spent many years as a talented hairdresser, brightening the days of her clients with her skill and warm spirit. Later, she brought her dedication and work ethic to Northwestern Bell and CWA, where she made lasting friendships and touched many lives.

In 1966, Diane married Bob R. Derryberry, and together they had two daughters, Dawn and Melanie, who were the light of her life. In 1990, Diane married her high school sweetheart, Myron A. Wertz. Together, they traveled and resided in California and Arizona before Diane returned to Iowa to live out her remaining years closer to her daughters and their families.

In recent years, after nearly 40 years of searching, Diane was united with her half sister Ruth Bloedow through DNA. She was thrilled to have finally found her and have the opportunity to meet Ruth and her family in person. Diane was the proud grandmother of Anthony D. (Jennifer) Habhab, Cody R. Habhab, Alyonna B. Habhab, Abigail L. Stjernberg, and Rehn O. Stjernberg, six great-grandchildren—Logan D. Habhab, Ali L. Habhab, Carter D. McClain, Sophia P. McClain, Anders J. Quintero, and Adonis J. Habhab. She loved making memories with her grand and great grandchildren. Diane loved holidays, game playing, travel, and lots of laughter with her beloved girls and grandchildren which brought her endless joy. They loved and adored their Great Gramma and will miss her dearly. This summer she especially enjoyed her daily walks with great grandson Logan.

Diane is survived by her loving daughters, Dawn (Dean) Habhab and Melanie Anderson; their dad, Bob R. Derryberry; Myron A. Wertz; her half-sister, Ruth Bloedow; brother, Dr. Wayne A. Beach; nieces and nephews, Anne (Scott) Bloedow De Broux, Amy Bloedow, Justin Beach, Jamie Beach, Brittany Beach, Brandon Beach, Garrett Beach, and Dylan Beach; great-niece, Gracie De Broux-Gonzalez; many loving friends; and her favorite furry companion, Sophie.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Wally and Lennie Beach, and her brothers, James W. Beach and David P. Beach and sister-in-law Dr Diane Darby-Beach.

Diane loved holidays with her family, especially Christmas with all the cookie and Christmas candy making and dressing up for Halloween. She was a social butterfly who lit up any room with her smile. Diane loved to crochet, cook, travel, dance, listen to music, and play cards with her friends and family.

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and togetherness. Diane will be remembered for her gentle heart, her infectious smile, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and cherished. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Dawn Habhab in care of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa, 51104. 

Floral arrangements may be purchased through Three Oaks Greenhouse Floral & Gift, 704 W Main St, Lake Mills, IA 50450. https://www.threeoaksgreenhouse.com/