Diana Lynn Redden, 57, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was born July 18, 1967, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Donald Wilburn of Portsmouth and the late Donna (Welty) Wilburn.
Diana dedicated her life to nursing, serving over 30 years as a Registered Nurse — most of those years at SOMC, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and care. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping to develop the Mobile ICU for Life Ambulance, which she worked on for 10 years. Nursing was more than a job for Diana — it was her calling and her greatest passion.
Diana’s faith in God guided her throughout her life. She had a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself and offering love, comfort, and a listening ear to anyone in need. She was a caregiver in every sense of the word — not just to her patients, but to her family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her.
In her quiet moments, Diana enjoyed working on diamond art and crocheting, finding peace and creativity in her crafts.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of many years, Darrell Redden of Vanceburg, KY; her mother, Donna (Welty) Wilburn; and many special aunts who played important roles throughout her life.
She is survived by her father, Donald Wilburn of Portsmouth; her sister, Lisa Rawlins (Donald) of Stout; her “bonus daughter,” Crystal Redden of Vanceburg, KY, who held a very special place in her heart; nieces Talyn Rowland (Chris) of Leesburg, OH, Samantha Nolen of Stout, and Amy Corns Vanceburg, KY; nephews Tanner Richards (Kaylee) of Sciotoville and Richard corns of Vanceburg; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her special friend Lori Johnson, who remained a constant source of support and companionship throughout her life.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Tony Corns. The Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities will also pay tribute to Diana’s lifelong dedication to nursing.
Diana’s kindness, strength, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
