Rachel Iona Diodati

Rachel Iona Diodati, age 72, of Dover, died Thursday, March 10, 2011, following a brief battle with cancer.A daughter of the late Nelson William and Ruth Wardell Meese, Rachel was born on July 25, 1938, at Dover, Ohio.She was a graduate of Midvale High School and continued her studies earning certification as a surgical technician. For more than 30 years, she worked for Union Hospital at Dover where she put her education as a surgical technician to work.Rachel was a longtime member of the Midvale United Methodist Church where she was also an active member of the women’s group. She also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, and scrapbooking. Additionally, Rachel looked forward to watching game shows on television, especially Wheel of Fortune, and was especially fond of looking after her great-grandchildren and taking care of her beloved cats.Rachel leaves behind three children; a daughter, Yvonne (Jeff) Huff of New Philadelphia; and two sons, Paul (Florence) Diodati of Bowerston and Craig (Shiela) Diodati of New Philadelphia.13 grandchildren; Jeffrey (Ashley) Huff, Mallarie, (fiancée, Jason) Huff, Andrew (fiancé Kelsey) Huff, Kayla and Cody Pletcher, Craig, Kyle and Marsi Diodati, Fantasia Wallace, Joseph (companion, Sami) Applegate, VII, and Melissa and Daniel, “D.J.” Alberty; six great-grandchildren, Jason Diloreto, Jr. and Alizabeth Diloreto, Hailey Huff, Joseph Applegate, VIII, Lane Robinson, and Kylee Diodati as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Diodati and two brothers, Robert and William Meese.The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 13, 2011, from 2:00 â?? 5:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory where Pastor Jim Huston will lead a service celebrating Rachel’s life in the funeral home’s chapel at 5:00 p.m. Following the service, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, where hors d’oeuvres and fellowship will be shared. In keeping with Rachel’s wishes, cremation will take place following the evening service. Burial will be held the following day, Monday, March 14, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.The family requests memorial contributions in Rachel’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 201 W Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622, or to the Cats-n-us Shelter, PO Box 832, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.