Diane Vineyard Cape passed peacefully on May 2, 2026 surrounded by family, having enjoyed a long life with family and friends.  She was born to Dr. George "Sport" and Emmaline Rose Vineyard, nee McDowell on April 12, 1942 in Columbia, Missouri. Diane Cape was known as a sharp thinker and avid reader, with a quick wit and a generous spirit. She was a proud 4-H alum, a good sister, a dear friend, and loved her family with all her heart: husband Daniel Cape, children David Cape and Deidre (Bradd) Anderson, and granddaughter Ellery Anderson. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Bill (Connie) Cape and niece and nephew Susan Cape and Travis Cape.

She met her future husband, Dan Cape, in Steelville, Missouri where they were childhood classmates from grades one to twelve. They never dated or shared social circles in Steelville, despite her mother's suggestions, until seeing a movie together in Columbia in the summer of 1962. Their romance blossomed at Mizzou where she would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Education. They began married life in Columbia in August 1964, before relocating to Florida in 1965 where Dan served in the Navy and Diane taught adult English as a second language (ESL), later returning to Missouri where she taught pre-K through high school.

Diane dearly enjoyed raising her children, David and Deidre, and made friends wherever she went, many of whom she considered family. She would later go on to give back to her beloved hometown Steelville in roles ranging from small business owner, member of Steelville City Council from 2003-2004 and Mayor from 2004-2006 and to fundraising leader for the local pool. Diane was awarded  Steelville Citizen of the Year in 1994 by the local Chamber of Commerce during her many years of involvement in the community. Diane, Dan, and their son, David, relocated to Columbia in July 2019 to be closer to Deidre and her family.

A Celebration of Life Visitation was held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO for family and friends.

A Private Family Inurnment was held at the Steelville Cemetery.

The Cape Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

Memorials in Diane's name may be given to one of the suggested options below:

Steelville Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 860, Steelville MO 65565

VAC - Local Non-profit for Columbia area 403A Vandiver Dr., Columbia MO 65202 Tel: 1-573-874-2273 Web: https://www.vacmo.org

Steelville Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 860, Steelville MO 65565

VAC - Local Non-profit for Columbia area
403A Vandiver Dr., Columbia MO 65202
Tel: 1-573-874-2273
Web: https://www.vacmo.org