CONTINENTAL – Diana R. Ordway, 73, of Continental, passed away at 9:02 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Kindred Hospital, Lima. She was born October 10, 1952, in Lima to the late George and Vera (Schwarzman) Franz.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Ordway; five children: Ryan (Beth) Ordway, Rhonda (Nick) Schnipke, Robert (Irma) Ordway, Ronald (Liz) Ordway, all of Continental and Randal (Eman) Ordway of Defiance; ten grandchildren: Brandon, Brett, Cole, Devin, Lane, Lexi, Lily, Lindsey, Lydia and Mason; five great-grandchildren; four siblings: Marcia (Joe) Kleman of Glandorf, Jeff (Tona) Franz, Vic (Diane) Franz and Tamy Franz, all of Ottawa.
Diana met her husband, Gary, in the summer of 1966. They married on November 14, 1970, and spent 59 years together, 55 being married. She retired from Continental Schools as the cafeteria supervisor and bus driver. She was also a driver’s ed teacher for Key Driving School, Napoleon for many years. After retirement, she worked in the bakery at Kohl’s Market in Ottawa. She then went on to work for Ottawa SPPS as the cafeteria cashier. Diana was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Continental American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 541.
Diana never met a stranger and never had an enemy. She was always willing to help anyone in need. Diana spent many hours making part runs and delivering food to the fields during the farm season. She loved attending her children and grandchildren’s many events with Gary and spending time at the cottage in Charloe, “Her Happy Place,” with her beloved Yorkie, Susie. Diana also enjoyed attending the Putnam County Fair, helping and watching her grandchildren with their many 4-H projects.
Diana and her husband also loved to travel. They traveled to Cuba, Guantanamo Bay Marine Base to visit their son, Ron, as well as, Washington and Ft. Lewis, to visit Gary’s military family friend and enjoyed a picnic on Mt. Rainier. They also enjoyed spending several days at Limaland Motorsports Park watching their son and grandson, Ryan and Brandon race.
Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental with Fr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday prior to the Mass at the church.
Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental.
Condolences may be made to www.loveheitmeyer.com
