Spencerville;      Diane M. "Dee" Whitling, 64, of rural Spencerville, was called home to meet her Lord and Savior,  after her courageous fight with cancer  at 4:30 PM Thursday, November 18, 2021 in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 31 years, John "Johnnie" Whitling. She was blessed with two children, Tara Marie (David(d) ) Gillispie of Spencerville and Richard Andrew (Jamie) Smith od Oregon.  5 beloved grandchildren, Keaton, Landyn, Ella Gillispie, Madison and Anna Whitling. 4 sisters that she shared a special bond  with, Patty Danny) Madden of Newark, Judi (Ron (d) ) Parrine of Wapakoneta, Janet (Bill (d) )  Smith of Powell and Sherri Kalb of Powell, sisters-in-law; Carla (Mike) Baer of Spencerville, Cheryl (Kent) Morgan of Lima and Diana (Don) Degen of Lima.

Dee is preceded in death by her loving mom and dad, Richard "Smitty" and Norma Jean Smith.

She was a 1975 graduate of Spencerville High School, a long time and devoted member of  Only Believe Ministries, where she faithfully served on the security team. She adored her Goldendoodle Elsa and her 2 "Possie" horses, Justice and Raven.

Dee loved her family and vacations in St. Augustine were her favorite.  She enjoyed the sandy beach , ocean and going on many shopping trips.  She could be found strolling on George Street with her shoes and purses.

Dee worked as a Deputy with the Allen County Sheriff's  office as a 911 dispatcher, a Warrant officer and court officer for the Probate Court. After retiring from the Sheriff's office, she ended her career as a Resource Officer for Elida Elementary School, where she was known as "Officer Dee".  She loved being a mentor to the kids and they loved her.  She touched many of their lives , giving them hugs and letting them make rounds.

She volunteered for years serving Allen County on the Mounted Posse for 26 years. She was passionate about her horses and loved spending evenings in the barn.

Celebration of Life Services  will be 10:30 AM Wednesday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville.

Graveside services will follow in the Gethsemani   Cemetery in Lima.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 8 PM Tuesday and after 9:30 AM Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.

Condolences may be sent to   tbayliff@woh.rr.com