Barbara Jane Diekman

Barbara Jane Diekman of Smallwood, NY passed away September 16, 2026 at Mid Hudson Regional Hospital, Poughkeepsie, NY. She was 87.

The daughter of the late John and Mildred Nathanson Bootsman, she was born May 4, 1939 in Evergreen Park, IL.

Barbara was a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan. She devoted much of her life to education, teaching German, Biology, and English, and later served as Pension Administrator for the Reformed Church of America. She was a faithful member of United Reformed Church of Youngsville. Barbara enjoyed reading, sewing, camping, boating, traveling, crossword puzzles, and gardening, but her greatest joy was the time she shared with her family.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Fred W. Diekman; one son, Alan Diekman and his wife Joan of Little Rock, AR; one daughter, Alyce Diekman of Orland Park, IL; and her grandchildren, Katie Diekman and Zachary Diekman.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 3 to 6 PM in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY.

Graveside services and burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Chicago, IL.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice supporting cancer, heart, or kidney research or to a religious organization of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com