Diane Gillig Obituary

Diane Gillig

Diane Elaine Florence Gillig passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, following a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. She was 76. She was born September 21, 1949, in Tiffin, the oldest of 11 children to the late Rollie and Joyce Florence. Tiffin always held a special place in her heart.

She married Smily Gillig of Tiffin and raised three daughters, settling in Columbus. She and Smily were married for 55 years until her passing. He bought her flowers every week. Diane attended Ohio University and obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from The Ohio State University. Diane was a speech and language pathologist for Columbus Public School System for 37 years and retired in 2012.

She and Smily enjoyed traveling around the world, playing cards with friends, going out to dinner, and taking walks in the park. Family meant everything to Diane, and she loved her siblings and children deeply, but especially cherished her eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She brought life, fun, humor and laughter wherever she went. She was known for sending greeting cards filled with confetti, leaving handwritten notes in her grandchildren's rooms to find after she left, making awesome homemade spaghetti sauce, starting inside jokes with family and friends, and singing and dancing around the house. She helped many people and made the world a better place.

She is survived by her husband, Smily; daughters, Laura (Scott) Varn, Julie (Keith) McWherter and Kathy (Tom) Richardson; her beloved grandchildren, Cody McWherter, Austin McWherter, Malia McWherter, Jake Varn, Grace McWherter, Madison Varn, Blake Richardson and Madaline Richardson; a great-grandchild, Bostyn; siblings, Peg (Jim) Greek, John (Maxine) Florence, Susie Allen, Sonny (Teresa) Florence, Whitey (Christy) Florence, Paulette Tiell, MaryAnn Florence, Joann Florence, Steve (Kathy) Florence and Barb Florence; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 North High St, Worthington, OH 43085.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

For details, visit www.schoedinger.com