Diana Elizabeth Gaona, 83, Russell, died Monday, July 28, 2025, at Russell Regional Hospital.
She was born August 26, 1941, in Webster, South Dakota, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Block) Helwig. She was a 1959 graduate of Waubay High School in Waubay, South Dakota. Diana worked as an LPN and then dedicated her time to raising two boys. She always had a smile on her face and she loved to play bingo.
She was survived by her loving family: sons, Jeff Gaona and wife Tonya of Wichita and Chad Gaona of Edmond, OK, sister, Gladys Grubbs of Scottsdale, AZ, granddaughter, Ava Gaona of Wichita, as well as many other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Clarence Helwig and twin brother Don Helwig, and sisters, Evelyn Hamman, Violet Maxwell, Deloris Wieger, and Esther Loterbauer.
The family will honor Diana’s life privately and would encourage others to share cherished memories. Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Diana may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com