Diane Sakmyster

Diane Sakmyster, a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away on May 11, 2026 in UC West Chester Hospital in Ohio. She was born on January 28, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Harry and Juanita Decker. She grew up in Fort Wayne with her brother, Dan and sister, Debby.

She was proud to attend Indiana University where she earned her Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees. It is also where she met her devoted husband, Tom. They married in 1967 and spent 59 years together.

For over 30 years Diane had a successful career with Cincinnati Public Schools. She began as a science teacher at Walnut Hills High School where she encouraged all her students but especially strived to inspire girls to pursue scientific careers. She then moved into Administration where she led both Food Services and Facilities for the district. Diane was considered an expert in her field and was even quoted in The Wall Street Journal.

In addition to her work, Diane was a dedicated mother to her daughters, Sarah and Susie. She helped Tom coach their soccer teams, served as a leader in youth soccer programs, and even helped to found and lead Cincinnati West Soccer Club which is one of the longest standing soccer clubs in Cincinnati and is still in existence today. She was also her daughter’s biggest cheerleader in any activities they chose to pursue from sports to academics to acting.

Diane had a creative streak that came out in sewing and crafting. She was a proficient seamstress and made elaborate Halloween costumes for Sarah and Susie. She sewed everything from formal dresses to costumes for plays. She also loved to make Christmas crafts including angels and wreaths. Another talent of Diane’s was creative writing, including a play performed at Susie’s Middle School.

Diane is lovingly remembered by her husband, Tom Sakmyster, her daughters, Sarah (Mike) Schaufele and Susan (Jim) Cornett, her granddaughter Ainsley and her sister Debby (David Phegley) Decker. She was preceded in death by her dear grandson, Nate Schaufele and her brother Dan (Linda) Decker.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 1pm – 2pm with a remembrance service following at 2pm at The Cincinnati Woman's Club 330 Lafayette Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220-1123. The family also requests in lieu of flowers that donations please be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association.