Margaret “Diane” Skibstead, 60, of Ansley, formerly of Grand Island, received the ultimate healing and entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, October 28, 2021.
Service and celebration of Diane’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 3rd, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island. Burial will follow at Phillips Cemetery.
Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at All Faiths Funeral Home.
Diane was born September 5, 1961, in Omaha, the daughter of Vaden and Lois (Sell) Loper. She grew up in Plattsmouth and Grand Island, attending Grand Island Senior High.
On September 19, 1987, Diane married Christian “Chris” Skibstead. She was employed by Leon Plastics for 20 years. More importantly, Diane spent the majority of her life caring for those who needed her. After the couple relocated to Ansley, she continued to care for individuals with special needs until shortly before her passing.
Loving and caring, Diane’s generous nature extended to her nieces and nephews and her “furbabies”. Whichever niece or nephew she was referring to at the moment… that was who was her favorite. Her animals were her children. She was quite literally, “Dog Mama of the Year”!
At the time of her diagnosis, Diane knew how serious her illness was. She knew it was going to be a hard fight. She told her family, “If Heaven is my answer, then I’m OK with that and you all must be too.” Her strength and faith carried her through every moment and will stay with those who love her.
Those who will cherish Diane’s memory include her husband, Chris of Ansley; brother, Edward (Em) Loper of Shakope, MN; sister, Elizabeth (Herb) Slough of Giltner; step-siblings, Kent and JeRee Baliman of Norfolk, Jeffrey Markworth of California and Victoria Brown of Grand Island; several wonderful nieces and nephews; her special ‘Mother of the Heart’, Marian Walters; ‘Sister of the Heart’, Shari Vettel; and beloved furbabies, Harley, Maggie May and Opie.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; step-father, William Dowse; brother, Rodney Loper; and infant brother, Robert Loper.
Memorials are suggested to GRACE Cancer Foundation.
Online remembrances may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.
