Diane Russell, (formerly Diane Besong and Diane Snyder), passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 5, 2022 after a long and courageous battle against lung cancer. Born March 7, 1962 in Ambridge, PA, Diane was preceded into eternal life by: her first husband, Dale R. Snyder, Sr.; brother Roger D. Besong; and parents James and Irma Besong. Left behind to miss her are: her husband Robert C. Russell, formerly of Madison VA, daughter Dana Snyder Callender and son-in-law Andrew Callender of Fredericksburg, VA and their five daughters; son Dale “Buddy” Snyder, Jr. and daughter-in-law Jessica Snyder of New Brighton, PA, and their two sons and a daughter, and daughter Deanna Snyder Wilson and son-in-law Brian Wilson, of Orange, VA, and their two sons and a daughter. Diane felt blessed to gain a daughter in Kimberly Dodson and a son-in-law Todd Dodson of Madison, VA, daughter Katie Russell of Orange, VA, and son Benjamin Russell of Madison, VA. With those blessings, she gained another twelve grandchildren! Two sisters, seven remaining brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews will miss her dearly.

Diane was a devout Catholic, and long-time member of St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church in Orange, VA. She was a member of the Sisters of Saint Maria and volunteered often at her church. Well known and admired by many, she had a beautiful smile and silly sense of humor, with plenty of jokes and stories to tell. She enjoyed growing up with her brothers and sisters in Ambridge, PA, and was a proud member of the Class of 1980 at Ambridge Area High School. Her biggest joy could be found in her children and grandchildren, of which she was proud to call “her legacy”.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, the Oncology and Radiation teams at Martha Jefferson Hospital, Dr. Wolanski at Orange Family Physicians, Preddy’s Funeral Home, and all others involved in her care.

Family will have visitors on Monday, Oct. 10^th from 2-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Preddy’s Funeral Home in Gordonsville. Funeral will be held at St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church on Tuesday, Oct. 11^th at 2pm, with interment to follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Diane’s honor to: The Assisted Goals Foundation. Checks can be mailed to Attn: Assisted Goals Foundation 826 Rt. 68, New Brighton, PA 15066.