Sharon Diane Gideon, age 68, passed away on April 7, 2025 in the presence of family.  Sharon, or "Diane" Gideon was born on February 15, 1957 in Wichita, Kansas to Gwendolyn and ED Nichols.

Diane is survived by her siblings: sister Debbie Weldon of Florien, Louisiana, sister Teresa Clegg and her husband Charles, of Orange, Texas, and brother David Nichols and his wife Tina of Many, Louisiana.  She is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Ruby Hensley; mother Gwendolyn Polk; father ED Nichols; stepfather Frankie "Red" Polk; beloved niece Melissa Polk; and beloved nephew Joshua Nichols.

Diane married Ricky "Rick" Dirks in 1977 and she is survived by their children, son Adam Dirks and his wife Sara, of Manhattan, Kansas, and daughter Jodi Davis and her husband Johnnie, of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; grandchildren: Daylynn, Joe, Lexi, and Waylon; and great-granddaughter Reagan.

Diane loved her morning coffee.  She had a green thumb and loved gardening, flowers, and house plants.  She attended nursing school and worked as a nurse for 25 years — a profession she enjoyed and excelled at.  She liked reading biographies and was a big fan of Clint Eastwood and loved old movies from the 50's and 60's.  In her younger adult years, Diane was an avid softball player, competing in co-ed leagues in Pratt, Kansas, where she brought joy and camaraderie to every game.  Diane always managed to put food on the table and to ensure her kids were happy and taken care of.  She had a remarkable talent for helping her children appreciate the simple, free joys in life, teaching them that happiness and entertainment did not require money.  She loved small children and babies, and had a way with them.  Likewise, small children and babies adored Diane.  Her heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren and great-grandchild, cherishing every moment she spent with them.

The family invites you to a memorial service at Zenda Methodist Church on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in Zenda, Kansas.  Cremation has taken place.  Diane's final resting place will be at Sandhill Cemetery in Yardell, Arkansas.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058