Diane Laurene Ward

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Diane Laurene Ward on March 6, 2026, after her fifth bout of breast cancer, surrounded by her family in her apartment in Woodbridge, Virginia. She was 83 years old. Diane was born on January 11, 1943, in Royalton, Pennsylvania, to William Kohr and Dorothy Barbara Metzler. In 1960, Diane married Gary Allen Ward, in Westminster, Maryland. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage, raising two children, Gary Vance Ward and Michelle Renee Bennett. Professionally, Diane dedicated many years to the U.S. Marshals Service as a contracting officer. After retiring from the Federal Government, Diane embraced her passion for animals, earning a Master Groomer Certificate and establishing Adine Canine Care groom shop. She was not only a skilled groomer but also a dedicated obedience trainer and breeder, finding great joy in showing dogs. Her greatest achievement in this field was taking one of her beloved Pomeranians to compete at Madison Square Garden—a testament to her dedication and love for her canine companions. A woman of faith, Diane was a committed member of Dale City Baptist Church for 22 years and continued to practice her faith at Park Place Senior Apartments, the Oaks of Wellington, and Brookdale Senior Living. Her spiritual community was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life. Diane’s legacy is carried forward by her children, Gary Vance and Deborah Ann Ward, and Michelle Renee and James Edwin Bennett Jr., and her siblings, Thomas George Metzler, and Barbara Ann Metzler. Her legacy and love of animals live on in her cherished grandchildren, Brittany Ann White, Melissa Ann Ward, and Sarah Ann Thakker. She is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Gary, her partner Norman Charles Kimmey, her sister Renee Eloise Pfleckl, and her brother William Kohr Metzler III. Their memories remain a treasured part of her story. A service to celebrate Diane's remarkable life will be held on March 18, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, located at 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA. Her wishes were for an intimate graveside service for immediate family with no reception to follow. Quantico National Cemetery does not accept flower delivery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF), a cause close to Diane’s heart. In a poignant message found after her passing, Diane wrote, "Beloved husband, I'll love you forever. Together again, hand in hand for all eternity." These words bring solace to those she leaves behind, knowing that Diane and Gary are reunited once more, their love eternal.

Diane Laurene Ward

January 11, 1943 - March 6, 2026