Dianne Helene Hellwig, 71, of Paint Lick, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Hospice Care Plus in Richmond, KY. She was born in Queens, New York on October 20, 1954 to the late Robert and Henrietta Rodgers. Dianne is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Mike Hellwig.

Dianne was a dedicated Veterinarian, who practiced in Madison County for many years. She loved to learn; learning her bachelors degree from Delaware Valley University, her masters degree and Ph-D from the University of Arkansas and her DVM from Iowa State. 

Dianne is survived by her husband, Mike, two brothers, Ignacio and Noel Ganz, both of Uruguay and several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Spurlin Funeral Home of Lancaster. A visitation will be held from 9:30am until service time on Saturday, the 25th of April.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Compassionate Care of Richmond. 

"Perhaps you met her at DVC, the girl from Queens pursuing a degree in Animal Husbandry, or maybe she was a friend and colleague at Merck Pharmaceuticals? Or perhaps you befriended her when she returned to academia to obtain her PhD. Scholar, Teacher...perhaps it was when she went on to obtain her DVM..maybe she was in a clinic with you or you were one of her clients? If she touched your life, you will remember. RIP my poodle lover, dog lover, cat fancier...sheep lover...Laaadddeeee"  M.Patrick