2/20/1945 – 9/1/2026
Lawrence
Services for Dianna E. (Thomas) Raybern, 81, of Lawrence, will include a visitation on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside Services will follow at McLouth Cemetery in McLouth, Kansas, on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Raybern passed away on September 1, 2026, at her son Shane’s home.
She was born February 20, 1945, in Sabetha, Kansas, the daughter of French and Pearl (Hillix) Thomas. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. Dianna worked at Owen’s Flower Shop, Maupintour, and A-1 Mini Storage.
Dianna was a devoted mother who dedicated her life to raising her children and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her youth, she enjoyed roller skating, and throughout her life had a love for dancing, drawing and artwork, and visiting with friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lawrence and the Eagles Lodge Women’s Auxiliary.
She married Gerald Raybern on August 7, 1965, in Eudora, Kansas; they later divorced.
Survivors include two daughters, Sondra (Pat) Murphy of Lawrence, KS, and Belinda (John) Godden of West Palm Beach, FL; a son, Shane Raybern of Lawrence, KS; six grandchildren, Brittney (Adrian) Levsky, McKayla (PJ) Paez, Kylee (Tony) Gioannini, Tia Raybern, Nathan (Laura) Raybern, and Jakeb Murphy; seven great-grandchildren, Mila and Lena Levsky, Margot Gioannini, Isla and Raya Paez, Rosalina and Raelynn Raybern, and another great-granddaughter on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat, Dolly.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Howard and infant brother, Ronald French Thomas.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
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