N. Dian Enright
N. Dian Enright, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
She was born on June 25, 1939, to Miles and Glenda (Egner) Mowery in Ullin, Ill. Her childhood was shaped by farm life, helping raise livestock and playing softball. She graduated as valedictorian of Ullin High School in 1957.
Dian married David J. Ritter on March 27, 1964. Together they built a home, farmed the land, and raised their two children, Cynthia and Christopher.
David preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 1991. Dian married Robert J. Enright on March 22, 1996.
She graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Dian taught in the Sparta, Du Quoin and Vienna school districts before beginning her long and distinguished career at Century High School, Unit 100, where she taught business, computers, and journalism.
A gifted teacher and mentor, she served as advisor to the school newspaper and was twice honored as the Southern Illinois School Press Association’s Advisor of the Year. She was several times voted teacher of the year by the student body.
Dian was also a talented writer. She compiled two inspirational books, "The Spice of Life" and "Ginger Snaps" (C.R. Gibson Company), based in part on the “thoughts for the day” she regularly shared on her classroom chalkboard.
For many years, she wrote “Time for a Faith Lift,” a weekly column for the Monday’s Pub, offering church news, encouragement, and reflections on everyday life.
A faithful and devoted Christian, Dian was a lifelong member of Cache Chapel Church, where she served for many years as Sunday School superintendent, women’s president, and as a district lay speaker. Alongside her sister, Kay, she lovingly organized countless potlucks and church gatherings that blessed the congregation and community.
Dian found joy in gardening and was especially known for her beautiful flowers and abundant vegetable gardens.
Her travels included New Zealand, a 2016 Holy Land pilgrimage and mission trips to China, where she helped smuggle Bibles for use by the underground church.
She was a wonderful cook and homemaker, remembered especially for her chocolate chip cookies.
Above all, Dian was a woman of deep faith — a prayer warrior who faithfully served through the Walk to Emmaus community and quietly encouraged many through her steadfast love and prayers.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Joe Enright of Ullin, Ill.; her daughter, Cindy (Allen) Friedrich of Jackson, Mo.; and her son, Rev. Dr. Chris (Becky) Ritter of Geneseo, Ill.
She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Hannah Ritter of Geneseo, Ill.; Isaac Ritter of Parker, Colo.; Sarah Ritter of Minneapolis, Minn.; Joshua (Kelsey) Friedrich of Gordonville, Mo.; Caleb Friedrich of Nashville, Tenn.; Samuel Ritter of Geneseo, Ill.; and Noel Friedrich of Jackson, Mo., who is engaged to Ross Pinnon.
Her great-grandchildren are Zion, Michael, Israel, Levi, and Jordan Friedrich. Dian is also survived by three stepchildren: Marsha (Billy) Wolford, Lisa Enright, and Robert (Diana) Enright II, along with several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dian was preceded in death by her first husband, David Jay Ritter; her parents, Miles and Glenda Mowery; and her sister, Kay Sue Miller.
Her family and friends will remember Dian for her steadfast faith, servant’s heart, generous hospitality, and unwavering love for her family, church, students, and community.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bob Manier officiating at Cache Chapel Church, 3741 Shawnee College Rd, Ullin, IL 62992. Visitation was held prior to the service from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Interment followed the service at Cache Chapel Cemetery.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to Cache Chapel Church and/or Cache Chapel Cemetery.
Crain Funeral Home in Ullin is in charge of arrangements.