Dian "Mama" Christy Carey, 73, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Dian was born on August 19, 1951, in Washington, Missouri, to Donald Sealock and LaVerne (Caldwell) Collins. She was a graduate of Parkway High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, and proudly held the title of Miss Fire Prevention during her time there.

On October 2, 1976, Dian married Dennis Carey at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and compassion.

Dian dedicated 24 years to Audrain Medical Center in the emergency department, where she was a steady and caring presence. After retiring, she joyfully took on the role she loved most—caring for her grandchildren.

Known for her kind heart, Dian was an avid animal lover who often took in strays and treated every pet like family. She found joy in the simple things—coffee in hand, watching birds and squirrels, and shopping on Amazon. She was, above all, the best mom, and mama, the best animal mom, and a cherished friend to many.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Carey of Mexico; three children, Kim (Matt) Jones, Sean (Dawn) Carey and Patrick (Whitney) Carey all of Mexico; nine grandchildren, Taylor (Matt) Chrisman, Sidney (Nate) Atkinson Abbygayle (Jordan) Schutte, Hayden Jones, Bryna (Fernando) Guzman, Aidan Smyth, River Carey, Gabriel Carey and Ella Carey; nine great-grandchildren, Tucker Chrisman, Clayton Sims, Lukas Sims, Easton Atkinson, Mason Atkinson, Lilah LaVerne Chrisman, Hank Schutte, Grayson Atkinson and Hallie Schutte; a brother, Steve (Maddelene) Collins; and loved by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Dian was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and LaVerne Collins; her second parents and in-laws, Marge and TJ Carey; beloved furbaby, Bella Rose Carey; and a host of family pets she loved like her children.

Memorials may be made to Audrain Humane Society. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson St., Mexico, MO 65265.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed.