Diana “Dee” Wassenberg, 80, of Salina, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Born July 11, 1945, in Clay Center, Kansas, Dee was known for her compassion, strong work ethic, and deep love of animals.

Dee moved to Abilene, KS, in sixth grade and graduated with honors from Abilene High School. She was a dedicated business owner who helped operate R & D Printing in Abilene with her first husband, Ron Hertig, before later moving to Salina.

She found great joy caring for others and worked for many years as a nanny and caregiver for children and the elderly. A lifelong animal lover, Dee adored her dogs and her miniature horses. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wassenberg.

She is survived by her children: Tamera Stone of Liberty, MO; Matt Hertig of Lawrence, KS; and Tara Hertig of Bennington, KS; and by her beloved grandchildren: Ashley Andrews, Jacob Stone, Allyson Schraad, Abigale Saenger, Emma Miller, Max Houghton, and Ava Houghton.

At this time, no service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hope in the Valley Equine Rescue or Rocky Mountain Collie and Sheltie Rescue.