Diana Lynne Clay, 54, of Green City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri, with her daughter, Taylor, and best friend, Yevette, by her side.
Diana was born in Kansas City, Kansas on September 2, 1971, to Carol Lee and Katherine Ann (McWhirter) Clay. She graduated from Green City High school before going to college and NCMC in Trenton, Missouri. She then received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Missouri. She worked as an Oncology nurse and a Hospice nurse for over 25 years. In 2019, she returned to Green City to take care of her mother.
Diana is survived by one daughter; Taylor Clay of Green City, four grandchildren; Parker Lee Clay, Scarlet Clay, Octavia Clay and Alistair Clay, one brother; Michael Clay of Jefferson City, Missouri, nephew; Tony Clay, niece Kirynn Clay, uncles; Dean McWhirter, Steven McWhirter, and Gerald and wife Jill Clay, Best friend; Yevette Eby-Smith of Kirksville, Missouri and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a bonus daughter, Piper White.
Diana was a cheerleader in high school and on the debate team. She loved to garden and take care of her plants. She enjoyed crocheting and her cats; Salem and Georgie. She was never without her Diet Mountain Dew and she loved waffles. Most of all she loved to spend time with her friends, grandchildren and bonding with her daughter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Green City, Missouri. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Diana’s memory to her daughter Taylor Clay.