Diane D. Bozarth Obituary
Diane D. Bozarth, 71, passed away peacefully at her home in rural La Grange, Missouri, on January 19, 2026. Diane was born on May 23, 1954, to William J. Durst and Marge Durst. She was married to Benjamin “Ben” L. Bozarth on November 4, 1972, at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church near Taylor, Missouri. She graduated from Highland High School in 1971. From an early age, her intellectual gifts were evident, leading her to skip a grade in elementary school. As a result, she graduated in the same class as her future husband, Ben, with whom she shared more than 53 years of marriage.
Diane received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Culver Stockton College in 1976. In 1989, she passed the 2 ½ day Missouri Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination on the first try. In 1993, she received a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Western Illinois University, completing her degree by taking night classes while also working full-time and caring for her three young children.
Diane began her career at Culver-Stockton College as a bookkeeper in 1973 and went on to serve in a number of roles, including accountant, Director of Financial Aid, and Controller and Senior Administrator for Financial Aid. In 2011, she was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a position she held until her retirement in 2022.
Diane loved spending time with her grandchildren. In February of 2025, she welcomed her newest grandchild, William “Bill” de Souza, and cherished the time she spent with him. She especially enjoyed having her grandchildren spend the night at her home and was able to host Lucas, Layla, Lucy, and Lydia on December 19, 2025, following a Christmas celebration that included all of her children and grandchildren.
Diane also enjoyed traveling with her family, including numerous trips to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. In 2024, she traveled with family to Alaska, visiting Denali National Park and taking an Alaskan cruise. Most recently, she shared a family trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, in November of 2025.
Diane always shared her home with pets, treating them as family. At the time of her passing, she shared her home with her puppy, Rocky, and her cats, Sox and Katie.
Diane was both a trusted advisor and best friend to her husband, Ben, and their three children: Brett, an attorney; Andrew, a medical doctor; and Erin, a special education teacher, who, even after they became professionals, continued to rely on her guidance. Diane was irreplaceable, and she will be greatly missed by her family.
Diane is survived by her husband, Benjamin “Ben” L. Bozarth; her children, Brett (Lauren) Bozarth, Andrew (Maggie) Bozarth, and Erin (Adilson) Bozarth de Souza; her grandchildren, Lucas Bozarth, Layla Bozarth, Lucy Bozarth, Lydia Bozarth, and William “Bill” de Souza; her mother, Marge Durst; her brother, Rick (Peggy) Durst; and several nieces and nephews.
Diane was preceded in death by her father, William J. Durst; her infant sister, Jayne Durst; her infant great niece, Natalie Adam; her father-in-law, Harold L. Bozarth; and her mother-in-law, Mary N. Bozarth.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Canton, Missouri, with Rev. Stacey Nicholas officiating. Burial will be in Marks Cemetery at La Grange, Missouri.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Canton, Missouri.
Pallbearers will be Brett Bozarth, Andrew Bozarth, Erin Bozarth, Lucas Bozarth, Adilson de Souza, Rick Durst, Stephen Durst, and Stanley Bell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Life Raft Group, an organization committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts. Contributions may be left at or mailed to Arnold’s Funeral Home, 1100 White St., Canton, MO 63435.
