Schwalbert, Diana L. (nee Mertz) on February 9, 2025.
Dearest daughter of David and the late Vernie Mertz; beloved wife of Michael Schwalbert; loving mother of Andrew (Lauren Marie) Schwalbert, Brian Chura and Lauren Michelle Schwalbert; cherished grandmother of Savannah Marie and Vivian Drew Schwalbert; dear sister of Dana (Greg) Kenison, Debbie (Bart) Anderson and David Mertz, Jr.; dear sister-in-law of Laura (Jeff) Kreitler and Steve (Kelly) Schwalbert.
Services: Private Memorial Services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.
A Kutis South County Chapel Service.
Diana was a beautiful soul, inside and out. I have many happy memories with her. While we rejoice that she is no longer in pain and now with her Savior Jesus, we are so sorry for the pain this causes her surviving family and friends who will surely miss her so much! We will be keeping everyone in our prayers, that your sweet memories can overshadow your grief.
What a lovely lady in so many ways. Diana’s spirit and drive to keep fighting her cancer was unbelievable and quite inspiring. She and her family were our next door neighbors in Sunset Hills and I have many memories of interacting with her. Always a smile and kindness expressed.! It is so sad that she is now gone. Michael and the rest of her family, I understand the deep pain that this kind of loss brings. Know that you were all so loved by her. Hugs and love.
I will always remember her welcoming smile, both at NKMS and Kirkwood High School.. Anyone who was having a rough day just had to encounter her and she immediately made everybody feel better. A totally genuine person who the community will greatly miss.
This amazing woman gave up years to our class specifically, I remember her yelling at me to stop running in the halls of MIDDLE school and taking me to get toys when she knew my family couldnt afford them. 3 short years later she became class of 2020s secretary for all 4 years, she saw us through heart breaks, ups, downs, all the mess of our lives and even when the pandemic hit, our backbone was Mrs. Diana Mertz Schwalbert. She CHANGED my life, truly CHANGED it. I’ll always remember her and the sacrifices she made to us, we, in a way, were her kids, and that will always stick with me, just as it will with many of my classmates.
Thank you Mrs. Schwalbert, for helping me when I didn’t have a leg to stand on, when my family was down and out, when my entire class seemed loss, thank you, for showing us how to be good people.
Rest in peace<3
My sweet friend and such a beautiful woman, I am so sorry that you had to go through the battle. I was blessed to get to know you through our daughters being in the same class at LHS where I had volunteered as Chairperson for Project Graduation and you were there to help and support me as there was a lot going on. And then after, we stayed in touch for several years doing short trips with our hubbies or having a game night or out to eat. I am sorry I haven’t touched base of late. Lesson learned don’t think “oh I will call that person next week,” as that person may not be there next week to call. So sad-too young. Will miss you!
She has always been my favorite back when I was in school I could always go to her about anything . I remember the time I got suspended for something that I didn’t do and she was talking me through it until eventually I fell asleep on the floor in the office and I remember she took a picture of me and showed it to me when I woke up before school went out. Rest up my angel.
Thank you Mrs. Schwalbert for being there when I needed help with anything around the high school. Your smile lit up the room and made my day when I came by the office. You will be forever missed!
Man I I was just talking to u not to long ago I can’t believe it but I know that it no longer n pain anymore love u
I know my writing isnt the best but what’s there to say about Mrs. Shwalbert that hasn’t been said already, for me it’s the fact I usually had a frown or an angry face but anytime I came by She always told me to smile and although she may be gone I will always miss her like others of my class and her family. She will always have a place in my heart and I will never forget all the things she’s done for me and others. I’m sure if she was here still she would probably tell me to turn my frown upside down or to smile 😂 or something along those lines lol. This news brought me to tears but I know she’s in a better place now and is resting in peace. There is so much I could say that I want to say like how I managed to get into ranken tech and I have a scholarship too and that im doing well, but I think the best thing to do is to keep on smiling and move forward that’s what I believe she would want all of us to do. I will never forget her and I’m sure neither will any of you but as a proud member of class 2020 I wanna say that Mrs. Schwalbert we love you and that we will always miss you and the joy you bring and that you are resting in peace 💗🥰😊🤗
Dear God-Sister, I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you again, I know it has been a long while. I know you fought hard and loved hard and lived a great life. I love reading these wonderful comments about you – I can picture you being a special person for the school kids. Rest in peace, dear Diana. Say hello to my brother and your mom for me (she didn’t like it when I called her Vernie…). My prayers are with Michael, kids, granddaughters and my other God-Family. Love, {{{HUGS}}} and lots of prayers!
Mrs Schwalbert was always there for me in high school when I needed to talk. She was the best and such a bright soul. Gone too soon, we will miss you!
I would not say I was close to Mrs. Schawlbert at all, but she was a comforting person in high school (I graduated in the class of 2016). She was so generous and never asked for anything in return. She will truly be missed.
Oh Diana, I will miss you, my sweet friend.
You fought your battle with strength and dignity.
You have earned your wings, now you are safely home and can rest in eternity.
I’m so sorry for you family, God Bless!
I hope those who knew her best take comfort in knowing she positively impacted hundreds of students on a daily basis simply by being herself. Mrs. Schwalbert helped create a sense of community and stability for so many of us.
For those of us who were often running late (like myself), she was the first face we saw as we tried to piece together our mornings. Her tactful guidance helped me develop responsibility and an ability to show up for myself — lessons that I carry with me into adulthood.
Kirkwood was a better place because she was in it. I know so many in our class can agree that she will always be remembered with gratitude and respect.
I will always remember Diana and Mike sitting with us for my niece’s wedding. Always kind and ready to lend a helping and caring hand. I didn’t know her long and her presents left a lasting impression on all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
Sending prayers, may the loving memories you share keep you close to her always.
Dana, Debbie and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diana. I want to send my sympathies to all of you. Diana was a great lady. I got to know her better in adulthood. I will truly miss her. Please take care during this difficult time, Miss you all.
Love Eileen
We met the Mertz family after moving to Frieda Ave. when Diana was just 12! We watched Diana play softball and were able to see her grow into adulthood also. It’s of memories! I taught in Kirkwood and kept in touch. Please accept our heartfelt condolences to all. May her many memories bring each of you comfort and peace❤️