Funeral Services for Diann McEldowney, 65, of Jefferson will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Abundant Life Ministries in Jefferson.  Interment will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery, Scranton, Iowa.  Visitation will be after 1:00 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Gweneth Diann McEldowney, daughter of  Edgar and Gweneth (Bryant) Runyan,  was born June 22, 1944 in Carroll, Iowa, and was raised in Richfield, Minnesota.  In 1963, Diann was married to Philip F. McEldowney. Two children were born to this union.  They lived in Wisconsin, New York and Virginia, and later divorced in 1976.
           
Diann began her college classes at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and added credits from the University of Wisconsin.  Her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 1966 did not detour her from becoming a college graduate.  Diann, after hard work at Younkers Rehabilitation, proudly graduated from Simpson College in 1980.  She returned to Jefferson and had her own apartment for 20 years. 
           
Diann loved to visit with people and take pictures.  She had many dear helpers that aided her to live semi-independently until she resided at the nursing home where she formed more special relationships with care workers.  She loved being with family and with her church family at Abundant Life Ministries. She enjoyed reading her bible, learning history and reading literature.
           
Diann loved music, traveling, and attending church camp (CFO) retreats in Iowa and Minnesota.  Although she endured many challenges in life she found joy in living and being with people.
           
Diann McEldowney died May 13, 2010 at the Greene County Medical Center.  She was 65 years of age.  Preceding her in death were her parents; her sister, Carmen Runyan, and infant granddaughter, Brittany Carlson. 
           
Relatives that will fondly remember her are her son, Timothy (Kathy) McEldowney of Charlottesville, VA; daughter Julie (Matt) Carlson of Jefferson, IA; grandchildren: Mark, Brian, and Rachel McEldowney, and  Lauren and Eliza Carlson; sister Vickie (Jim) Wilson of Richmond, VA; nephews Jacob and Mical Wilson; and nieces Amelia and Bekah Wilson.