Jennifer “Diane” Dixon Montgomery, affectionately known as “Mimi,” went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of June 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on April 13 at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Diane was the beloved daughter of the late COL (Ret.) William Dixon and Alberta Harris Dixon. She graduated from Buckeye North High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the homecoming court. Following high school, she attended the Wilma Boyd School in Pittsburgh, where she earned certification as a flight attendant. 

Diane enjoyed a successful banking career that spanned more than 30 years. Throughout her career, she was known for her warmth, professionalism, dedication to her customers, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her commitment to excellence earned her numerous awards and recognition. In addition to her banking career, Diane proudly served her community as an election official, a role she approached with the same sense of responsibility, fairness, and dedication that defined every aspect of her life. But her most treasured occupation needed no title, award, or corner office. She was Mimi, a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a steadfast supporter of every person lucky enough to be in her life. 

To know Diane was to know joy. Mimi loved to dance, laugh, and spend time with the people she loved. She had a beautiful smile that could light up the room and a way of making others feel seen, valued, and cared for. She was always quick to encourage someone, celebrate their accomplishments, or offer a helping hand during difficult times. Diane never hid her enthusiasm. She loved supporting the Chiefs football and cheerleading teams. Her excitement was contagious, her kindness was genuine, and her presence brought joy, laughter, and delight to everyone around her. 

Her children were the center of her world, and she never stopped encouraging them, believing in them, and reminding them of their worth. She was their biggest cheerleader, fiercest advocate, and safest place to land. The love she gave was unconditional, steady, and evident in everything she did. Her family was her greatest pride and greatest joy. 

Her Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. Diane taught her children, grandchildren, and all those around her the importance of kindness, compassion, and grace. One of her favorite pieces of advice was, “If somebody is mean and rude to you, that doesn’t mean you have to be mean and rude back. Always try to speak and acknowledge people. Kill the hate in them with your kindness.” She believed that another person’s actions should never change the goodness within your own heart. To Diane, kindness was not something that depended on how others treated you; it was a reflection of your own character. She lived that lesson every day and taught those she loved to meet the world with grace, compassion, and dignity. 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Stephanie Montgomery of Smithfield, Ohio, Naomi Montgomery of Wintersville, Ohio, and Jacob Montgomery of Toronto, Ohio; her brother, Craig Dixon of Steubenville, Ohio; the father of her children, Henry Montgomery of Toronto, Ohio; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; bonus children and bonus grandchildren whom she loved as her own; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness and love. 

The family asks that, in Diane’s memory, you do something that brings you joy, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and never underestimate the impact of a smile, a kind word, or a simple act of compassion. Above all, remember the lesson she lived by: never allow the cruelty of others to change who you are. Kindness, character, and love are the legacies worth leaving behind. 

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Diane’s faith has become sight and that she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly. Her memory lives on in every act of grace she inspired and every life she refused to leave unchanged.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 19 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield, OH. Diane’s Homegoing Celebration will follow on Saturday, June 20 at 12 noon at the Tree of Life Church in Martins Ferry, OH. Diane will be laid to rest in the Northern Cemetery in Smithfield. 

For those wishing to express their sympathy, flowers and memorial donations may be sent to J.E. Foster Funeral Home. Due to the rural nature of the area, please use the P.O. Box when mailing cards, or donations. J.E. Foster Funeral Home P.O. Box 512, 107 Hill Street Smithfield, OH 43948. www.jefosterfh.com