Diane Russ Meister

Diane Russ Meister (née Boettner), 78, passed away on September 25, 2026. She was born on July 15, 1948 in Butler, PA. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Paul; her first husband, David Russ; and her parents, William and Mary Ellen Boettner.

Diane is survived by her husband, Hans Meister; her daughters, Denise Weber (Joe), Danielle Russ (Rob Willson), and Dena Merriman (Jacob); her grandchildren, Sam Weber (Jennie Prial), Claire Goodwin (Josh), Carly Merriman, Halle Merriman, and Brayden Merriman; and her great-granddaughter and namesake, Margo Diane Goodwin.

Diane was a proud graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. An only child, Diane considered her mother her best friend; they delighted in each other’s company, whether going about their everyday routines or traveling to new places together. Diane carried that same deep capacity for love, loyalty, and laughter into every part of her life. Diane was married to David for 20 years, and after his sudden death in 1989, she managed D. A. Russ—his family’s stand at the West Side Market in Cleveland—while raising their teenage daughters. Several years later, when Diane and Hans became a couple, his support and encouragement helped her realize her dream of becoming a florist and owning Flowers Remembered in Strongsville, where she brought her creativity and warmth to work she truly loved.

Diane and Hans shared 28 wonderful years of marriage, enjoying the comfort of their log cabin home in Medina and many memorable travels together. She enthusiastically followed the many activities and milestones of her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Ma-Di.” She arranged her always-full schedule to be with them as much as possible, including attending their many events, and took great pride in their achievements and great joy in watching them grow. Endlessly creative, Diane enjoyed crocheting, sewing, ceramics, astrology, scrapbooking, dancing, and collecting—especially stamps and Disney figurines. She was also an avid Elvis Presley fan. Her devotion to family was matched by the importance she placed on her cherished friendships, and the laughter, time, and adventures she shared with her girlfriends brought her great happiness. Diane will be remembered for her laughter, her loving spirit, and the beauty and joy she created for those around her.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, October 22 from 4pm to 7pm at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, Ohio. A private interment will be held for immediate family on October 23 at York Cemetery in Medina, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).