Diane Jean Kennedy, 75, of Newark, died Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Licking Memorial Hospital. She was born October 23, 1950 in Toledo, OH to the late Gerhardt and Marion (Gors) Radde.

Diane was a proud graduate of Heath High School, Class of 1969, where she was an outstanding athlete. During her school years, she participated in basketball, volleyball, track, and cheerleading, and her classmates honored her by voting her "Most Athletic." In 1968, she was also recognized as Licking County Junior Miss, a distinction that reflected her talent and character. She then went on to attend Ohio University.

In 1977, Diane married Jim Kennedy, and the couple moved to Bloomington, IL to continue their careers at State Farm and start a family. They enjoyed many happy years there, particularly with friends at Lake Bloomington. Diane later relocated to New York and continued working for State Farm until retiring in 2006 after many years of dedicated service. In 2016, she returned home to Ohio to once again be close to the family and friends she cherished.

Diane especially loved family vacations to the Outer Banks, where many treasured memories were made together. She was an enthusiastic Ohio State & Licking Valley football fan, and rarely missed a game. She was also an avid animal lover, adopting and loving many pets throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Jayme Kennedy; sister, Joyce (Randy) Ayers; nieces, Heather (Tony) Venetta, Angie (Dave) Hile and Teresa (Brian) Hughes; great nieces and nephews, Avery, Ethan, Hayden, Anthony, Amelia and Gus; and her two beloved rescue cats, Goose and Marbles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Kennedy; and sister, Patricia (Steve) Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Diane to the Licking County Humane Society.

No funeral services will be held, however she hoped her family and friends would celebrate her in their own way.