Diane Halter

Diane Halter, 79, of Benton died peacefully Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Chateau Girardeau surrounded by her family.

Diane was born October 31, 1946, in Memphis, TN to Cecil and Imogene Richardson.

Diane was a graduate of Oakhaven High School in Memphis, TN. After graduation, she worked as an operator for Southwestern Bell in Memphis, TN. She later transferred to Sikeston, MO where she met her husband of 54 years. She and Larry C. Halter were married April 17, 1971, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, MO. She was a member of St. Denis Parish and served her church as a member of the Ladies Sodality, St. Denis Home and School and taught Sunday School for several years.

Her and Larry started Halter Seeds Inc. and worked the family farm. She served as the corporate secretary and bookkeeper until she went to work for Sam’s Club in Cape Girardeau as one of the original opening team members. She worked at Sam’s Club from 1998 to 2020 in various roles from Marketing to Door Greeter, where she knew everyone by name and made everyone feel welcome.

She cherished spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She never missed a tee ball or basketball game, or any other child/grandchild school related activity. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and supporter. She loved gardening, crocheting, cooking, and everyone who knew her enjoyed her cooking. There was never an empty candy jar when you walked through the door.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Halter; children, Darin (Laura) Halter and Jennifer (Keith) Dirnberger; four grandchildren, Josh (Hailey) Halter, Andrew Halter, Krista (Hunter) Hiett, and Nicholas Dirnberger; two great granddaughters, Aubrey and Adelyn; three sisters, Theresa Richardson of Heber Springs, AR, Jeannie (Ricky) Fly of Bartlett, TN, and Robin (Lloyd) Acree of Heber Springs; three brothers, Gerald (Bonnie) Richardson of Elkton, VA, Michael (Kim) Richardson of Pangburn, AR, and Steve Richardson of Pangburn, AR; two sisters-in-law, Carol (Bob) Jugenheimer of Londonderry, NH, and Diane (John) Urhahn of Benton, MO; and 19 Nieces and Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Benny Richardson and Brent Richardson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 23, at St. Denis Parish Center in Benton. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, with the Rev. Daniel Belken officiating and Monsignor Normand Varone as concelebrant.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Denis Parish.