Diane Marie Niss

Diane Marie Niss, 51, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012, in Fayetteville. She was born March 30, 1960, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Clark and Donna Niss of Naples, Fla., and Tulsa, Okla. Diane was a graduate of Van Buren High School and Rita's Beauty School in Fayetteville, Ark., and was currently employed as hair stylist at the Chop Shop in Fayetteville. Diane was an avid gardener who shared her produce with friends and family; she loved animals having two dogs and two cats who will greatly miss her. She is survived by her parents; one sister, Susan Sparks (Kevin) of Tulsa, Okla.; and her brother, Steven Niss (Sandra) of Media, Pa.; Aunt Di had three nieces, Michelle Sparks of Dallas, Texas, Madelyn and Lauren Niss of Media, Pa.; and nephew, Michael Sparks of Tulsa, Okla. Her nieces and nephew were her pride and joy. She enjoyed being with them and loved their enthusiasm. Also survived by her uncle and aunt, Warren and Rhoda Gutschow of Rockford, Ill.; cousins, Laura (Charlie) Byrns, Katie and Danny of Elkhart, Ind., Julia (Edward) Riedmaier, John and Will of Woodridge, Ill., and Mary Gutschow of Rockford, Ill. Diane turned over a new leaf in her life in October of 1998. She had great faith in her God and placed her life in his hands. Diane was a big supporter of the people and programs run by AA, Al-Anon and Decision Point. In lieu of flowers, please support these programs with your time or memorials to honor her memory. Many thanks are extended to the Alano Club, 568 W. Sycamore, Fayetteville, Ark., and to her many friends. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2012, at Beard's Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences: www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.