Judith Diane (McCowen) Philp, 82, formerly of Waltonville, Illinois, passed away at 11:25 am January 5, 2023 at Heritage Park Commons in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born August 11, 1940 in Waltonville to the late Ralph and Hazel (Hamilton) McCowen.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Susan Philp Baier and husband Eric of Fort Wayne; former husband, Gene M. Philp; brother, Ralph McCowen Jr.; sister, Donna Fay Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her siblings, Dyer Hamilton McCowen, Calvin McCowen, Donald Ray McCowen, Freda Mae Lemons, and Jerry McCowen. Diane was a 1958 graduate of Waltonville Community High School, and attended Mt. Vernon Junior College and Southern Illinois University. She worked as a teacher’s assistant for 26 years for Waltonville Community Schools Unit #1. Upon her retirement, she was awarded the 2005 Waltonville High School Alumni of the Year. She was very proud to be a Waltonville Spartan. She was a good friend and loving caregiver to many. She said her greatest accomplishments were being Susan’s mother and working with children in Waltonville schools.

A Visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville. Memorials may be made in Diane’s honor to Waltonville Community Church or Knob Prairie Cemetery.  Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-279-7272 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.