Diana Christine Goff, age 61, of O'Fallon, Ill., formerly of Springfield, Mo., born April 30, 1949 in St. Louis, Mo., passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, July 27, 2010.

Diana grew up in Kirkwood, Mo., graduating from Kirkwood High School. She attended University of South Florida, earning her BA in English-Linguistics in 1978 and then her MA in Communication in 1980. She also received a Certification in Medical Coding from Cox College of Nursing, in Springfield, Mo. in 2004.

She worked most of her life in customer service with various companies, most recently as a medical coder for United Healthcare. Diana was a hard-working and independent woman. She moved to O'Fallon several months ago to be near her son and his family. She loved animals, always willing to nurture a stray. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Her generosity continued even in death as Diana gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Sylvia, nee Schall, Goff.

Ms. Goff is survived by her son Matthew Goff and his wife, Hannah; and their two young sons, Hunter and Zayne, who loved "Nanny" very much and will miss their playtimes together.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests memorial donations to celebrate Diana's love of animals to The Humane Society of the US (www.humanesociety.org) Dept MEMIT9, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.

A Celebration of Life will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Tuesday August 3, 2010 at the Sleep Inn, 233 El Camino Alto, Springfield, MO 65810 (corner of South Campbell and Hwy 60).