Diane Dee Roosa
Date of Birth
December 12, 1943
Passed Away
January 1, 2026
Place of Residence
Arkport
Home State
NY
Interment Location
Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport
Diane Dee Roosa
ARKPORT – Diane Dee Roosa, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Arkport on Thursday (Jan. 1, 2026). Born on Dec. 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Orville and Mildred Mathews. A former resident of Midwest City, OK, Diane resided in Arkport before moving to Summerfield, FL, where she resided for 26 years before returning to Arkport in 2024.
She was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Alfred State College, Geneseo State College, and received her master’s degree from Elmira College. Throughout the years, she was employed as a general reporter for the former Evening Tribune in Hornell, as a substitute teacher for nine years at Arkport Central School, and retired from Wayland Central School, where she was employed as a middle school teacher for 25 years.
Diane was a member of the Arkport Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 1248, and while residing in Florida, she was a member of the Lady Lake American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 347. She enjoyed spending time bowling and playing bocce ball.
She is lovingly survived by her husband of 62 years, James J. Roosa, whom she married on March 23, 1963, in Midwest City, OK; two children, Robin (Geoff) Westphal of Asheville, NC, and James “Jay” (Stephanie) Roosa of Arkport; six grandchildren; one sister, Pamela (Jo) Ferguson of Pawnee, OK; as well as several nieces and nephews.
To honor her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will take place at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to their favorite charity.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell, is honored to assist Diane’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences or remembrances of Diane are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
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3 Responses
Ali Smith
says:
January 3, 2026, at 12:47 AM
Jay, Jake and I are so very sorry to hear about your Mom. You and your family are in thoughts. Much love, my friend.
Reply
Peter W. Fedorchuk
says:
January 3, 2026, at 1:06 AM
Rest in peace, Diane. I worked with Diane at Wayland Central for many years. She was a fine fellow colleague. Happy to have known her. My condolences to the family.
Reply
Terrie Applin
says:
January 4, 2026, at 4:11 PM
Mrs. Roosa was one of my most favorite teachers. Strict but a fun-loving spirit. I don’t know how she handled us adolescents, a labor of love teaching. I particularly remember her smile when you came through her door. Years later, I became her colleague at the Wayland school. She was a role model with old school values. I learned a lot from her as a kid and even more as an adult.
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