Barbara "Diane" (Lay) Sensintaffar

Barbara Diane (Lay) Sensintaffar was born in Washington D.C. on January 11, 1939 to Lander Gray and Madeline (Stafford) Lay. Diane grew up in Maryland, graduating from Bladensburg High School in 1957. In December 1960, Diane met Larry Glen Sensintaffar at Rand’s Dance Hall in Washington D.C. They fell in love and were united in marriage August 9, 1961 in Annapolis, Maryland. Diane and Larry were blessed with five children: Lowell, Travis, Karie, Glenda, and Nancy. Diane was the quintessential Navy wife, holding down the homefront, enabling her husband to serve his country. She took great pride in caring for her home and raising her children. After moving to Salem, Missouri in 1976, Diane spent nearly two decades working as a teacher’s aide at Green Forest Elementary School, impacting the lives of those she taught. Diane and Larry operated the family farm and enjoyed spending time working on it together. She loved being outdoors tending her garden and maintaining her flower beds. Diane loved to cook large family meals and was her husband’s “gourmet cook.” In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She was a woman of strong faith, always praying for her family, loved ones, church, community, and nation. Diane was a faithful member and prayer leader at Salem United Methodist Church for many years. Her faith, family, and friends were most important to her. Diane entered eternal rest July 7, 2024 in Nixa, Missouri at the age of eighty-five years. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her loving husband Larry Sensintaffar of Salem; children: Lowell Sensintaffar and wife Diana of Illinois, Travis Sensintaffar and wife Kamala of Colorado, and Karie Athens, Glenda Sensintaffar, and Nancy Elmer, all of Nixa; siblings: Carol Redmond and Janice Slaughter of Maryland, and Nancy Ryder of Salem; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her parents: Lander and Madeline Lay; siblings: Charles Lay, Joyce Mason, and Steve Lay; sister-in-law: Betty Lay; and brothers-in-law: Frank Redmond, Ralph Ryder and “Buzz” Mallady. Diane loved well and therefore lived well. That is her legacy. She will be missed. Funeral Services for Barbara Diane (Lay) Sensintaffar were held Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chuck Whitmire officiating. Special Memories were shared by her husband and children. Song selections played were “What A Day That Will Be”, “Supermarket Flowers”, “Sweet Beulah Land”, and “Because He Lives”. Serving as Pallbearers were grandsons Lee Sensintaffar, Wilson Brawley, Gabe Garcia, Jesse Garcia, Justin Sensintaffar, Logan Elmer, Michael Elmer, Anthony Athens, Corey Stogner, and Nathan Elmer. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Complete obituary to follow In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may in memory of Diane Sensintaffar to Jacobs Ladder and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Barbara "Diane" (Lay) Sensintaffar

January 11, 1939 - July 7, 2024