Dianna Dawn Merrifield

Dianna Dawn "Dawdee" Merrifield, 68, of Smithfield, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the home of her sister.

Born on August 8, 1957, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Dianna was the beloved daughter of the late Willy Ray Merrifield and the late Velma Rose Fluharty Shaffer.

Dianna dedicated her life to caring for others. A natural caretaker, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors in need. Her kindness, compassion, and thoughtful nature touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She never hesitated to put others before herself and found great joy in making sure those around her were cared for.

She enjoyed spending her time reading, keeping up with current events, watching Fox News, and following sports. Her favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Above all, Dianna cherished her family and the relationships she built throughout her life. Her gentle spirit, warm heart, and unwavering generosity will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Dianna is survived by her sister, Kathy Merrifield-Stover and husband, Charles "Butch" Stover III; her sister, Mary Ann Shaffer; stepbrother, Robert "Bobby" Shaffer and wife, Doris; and stepsister, Robin Ashcraft and husband, Curtis. Though she had no children of her own, her nieces and nephews were like her own children: Justin Stover and companion, Autumn Raffael; Braden Stover and wife, Gracie; Michael Barbina; and Marissa Barbina. Also surviving are her great-nephews, Ashton Stover and William Raffael; and her great-nieces, Charlie Grace Stover, Averie Stover, Kinsey Raffael, and Lexi Raffael. She is also survived by her cherished lifelong friends, Sherry Payton and Beth Ice, along with several extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

In addition to her parents, Dianna was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ray and Iva Merrifield; her maternal grandparents, George and Lucy Fluharty; and several aunts and uncles.

Those who knew Dianna will remember her for her caring heart, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her unique sense of humor. One of her favorite sayings was, "The most important thing in life is to be yourself… unless you can be Batman… then always be Batman."

In accordance with Dianna's wishes, she will be cremated. A graveside service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.

Though her presence will be greatly missed, the love and kindness she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615)773-2663. Obit Line (615)641-2663, www.bondmemorial.com