Diane Marie Elsbury Roberts Taylor born in Artesia, Calif., raised in Chicagoland, and settled in Warsaw, passed away at age 70 on March 20, 2025, in the presence of her loving family.
As the oldest of nine siblings born to Mary Miron Elsbury and William Elsbury, Diane was a model of big sisterhood from the start. Always providing a hand to hold, a path to follow, and an opinion, solicited or not. Diane married her high school sweetheart, Harold Thomas “H.T.” Roberts, in 1974 and welcomed twin daughters Lauryn and Sarah in 1987. Diane poured all her heart into providing them with a rich childhood filled with activities and adventure.
After the tragic loss of H.T., Diane showed her grit and determination by returning to school for a registered nursing degree. She spent the majority of her career serving her community and caring for students at Harrison Elementary, while keeping her kids as her top priority.
In 2012, Diane found great love and partnership with Michael Taylor, with whom she shared the last 13 wonderful years of her life. The two of them enjoyed traveling, boating, beautifying their home, and appreciating everyday moments together. Most of all, they loved spending time with their children and grandchildren: Ethan and Madison Brown; Avery and Henry Wallen; Tim, Madeline and Rose Taylor; and Emerson and Charles Whitlock IV.
Throughout her life, Diane was a great convener, maintaining connections with far-flung family and sustaining friendships over decades. She was happiest in the garden, walking with friends, reading (and forgetting) contemporary literature, delivering snappy rejoinders, hosting the baddest Fourth of July party in the hood and rocking out to the Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
Diane is survived by her husband, Michael Taylor; daughters, Lauryn (Charles III) Whitlock and Sarah Roberts; stepchildren, Anne (Josh) Brown and Dan (Christine) Taylor; siblings: Jamie Elsbury (Thomas Buehl, Jr.), Terese (Terry) Hand, Laurie (Thomas) Schumacher, David Elsbury (Amy Aldridge), Christy (Anthony) Fleming, Lynn (Michael) Rice; and dozens of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Michael Elsbury and Mary (Michael) Breault.
A private remembrance will be planned. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
If you’d like to honor Diane’s memory, please don’t send flowers! Instead, consider contributing to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 2190 N. Pointe Drive, Warsaw, IN 46582; or the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 ... please put in memo line to go towards the “Mary O. Elsbury Scholarship Fund.” Established in memory of Mary Elsbury by her family to provide assistance to adults who need financial assistance to gain education beyond high school.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.