Barbara Stinson

Barbara “Diane” Stinson, 84 of Oak Creek passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. She was born on August 2, 1941, in Rock Island, IL to William “Bill” and Vivian “Elaine” (Osbourne) Bell. She graduated from Rock Island High School, Class of 1959 and went on to attend Illinois State University.
In September of 1959 while attending Illinois State University in Normal, IL, she met Ronald Ralph Stinson from Centralia, IL. They both graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. On June 15, 1963, they were married in Rock Island, IL at Two Rivers United Methodist Church.
They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in September 1963 and began their careers as school teachers; Diane taught Kindergarten at South 78th Street School and Ronald teaching 9th grade Mathematics at Fritsche Middle School.
She also started a before & after school center in her home for children of other teachers and took care of many wonderful children for years. She taught youth Sunday School and was an active member of the Women’s Caring Circle at Christ Global Methodist Church in Greenfield, WI.
She is survived by her loving husband Ronald of 62 years, daughters Kathleen Stinson and Kelley Pinkowski. Her grandchildren, Christopher Stinson, Craig Stinson, Hana Schmidt, Cassidy (Austin) Brady and Sydney Pinkowski. Her Great Grandchildren, (Danielle Cooke), Hailey Stinson, Benjamin Stinson and Noah. Brother Edward (Betty) Bell of Rock Island, IL and family, sister Rhonda Osbourne of Rock Island, Il and family, brother Lonnie (Diane) Osbourne of Dubuque, Iowa and family, Cousin Melissa (Mark) Holland of Rock Island, IL and family. Mark Pugh of Raleigh, North Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elaine Bell, Grandparents, Lula and Lon Harding, Uncle Leo Osbourne and Cousin in Law Sueann Pugh.
Our family would like to offer special thanks to Penny Mims, Denise Edlund, and Nancy Wolski for the time, effort, love and care that they gave Diane for many years in our home. Many thanks to our “3rd daughter” Allison Schneider for all the years of love and support for Diane and our family.
We would also like to offer thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at both St. Luke’s Hospitals for the care she received while she was there. Love and thanks to everyone at Southpointe Care and Rehab Facility in Greenfield, Wi for watching over Diane.
There will be a “Reunion-Celebration” of Diane’s life and legacy at Christ Global Methodist Church, 5200 S. 48th Street in Greenfield, WI on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Please join us to celebrate the life of Diane, the most wonderful and caring lady!