Dianna Lynn Elmlinger

Dianna Lynn Elmlinger, 63, of Sedalia, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20, 2025. She was born on August 22, 1961, in Sedalia, MO, the daughter of Samuel Harrison Green and Kay Lamar (Whitfield) Green, who preceded her in death.

She was a 1980 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. She married Steven J. Phillips in 1980 (divorced 1992), who preceded her in death in December of 2022. She married Patrick C. Elmlinger in 1993, who resides in the home.

She began working at 14, washing and ironing nurse's uniforms for her sister's friends. She spent the last 35 years driving a forklift for several different companies, most recently Enersys.

Dianna's love for games, especially gin rummy and checkers, was a testament to her playful spirit. Her passion for baking desserts filled her home with warmth and sweet aromas. She and her husband, Pat, shared a love for riding motorcycles, camping, and traveling. Her fondness for ice cream, music, television, and the Kansas City Chiefs added joy to her life.

In addition to her husband, Dianna is survived by four children, Craig A. Phillips (Christi) currently residing in Europe, Melissa N. Card (Robert) of Sedalia, Wesley C. Elmlinger of Brooklyn, New York, and Britney M. Elmlinger (Dylan) of Sedalia; nine grandchildren, Austin P. Hunton (Sasha), Samuel H. Hunton, Aiden Holloman, Kai A. Phillips, Alexandra L. Phillips, Noah M. Hunton, Sara L. Elmlinger, Isaiah S. Hunton, Levi J. Hunton; three great-grandchildren, Alphonse, Jasper, and Elliot Hunton; two sisters, Alice E. Gill and Carla Davidson and many numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Faye Tripp and Cherly Libby.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life service at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Parkview Christian Church, Family Life Center, with Rodney Brown officiating. With a potluck style dinner, the family requests that you bring a dish.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service time at the Family Life Center.

The burial will be held at a later date at the St. Andrew's Cemetery in Tipton, MO.

Honorary bearers will be Sandy Hackworth, Scott McDaniel, Yesenia Rodriguez-Cook, Ronnie Dady, Desi Boozer Sr, and Bob West.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Make checks payable to Patrick Elmlinger.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.