September 4, 1946 – February 2, 2025
SALAMANCA — Diane M. Barber, 78, of Salamanca, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Olean General Hospital. She was born on September 4, 1946 in Winnemucca, NV, daughter of the late George and Thelma (Gehres) Minnekine.
Diane retired from Homecare and Hospice in Little Valley, where she lovingly worked as a CNA for many years. She compassionately cared for others through her life, always enjoying other’s presence, and always up for a conversation. She was a proud member of the 511 AA for 36 years, and a devoted member of the House of Prayer in Salamanca. Through the years she enjoyed gardening, going antiquing, and bowling, especially in her league in Little Valley. Diane was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many.
Diane is survived by James H. Barber of Montana, whom she married, as well as two sons; James C. (Coreena) Barber of MT, and Chris A. (Crystal) Barber of MT, and a daughter, Shannon D. (Tyler E.) Sanders of Little Valley. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Michael, Amos, Nicole, Christian, and Caitlin Barber, and Braiden and Graceyn Sanders, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Diane is predeceased by a grandson, Travis Barber, her grandparents, Claude (Bertha) Gehres, Burt (Cora) Minnekine, a step-grandfather, Marvin Wienk, a half-brother, Douglas Vogel, and her special family members Pearl and Harold Gehres, and Eleanor and Wendell Noff.
Friends may call on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.
Funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm from the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the House of Prayer in Salamanca.
Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.
