" Diana was born and raised in California spending much of her youth on the family ranch in Cloverdale. While on the ranch she raised her award-winning Cordell sheep for 4H. She also enjoyed driving the tractor, swimming in the river and time spent with her cousins Russ and Jim.
After her parents divorced, she lived in Santa Maria, California with her father. During that time and going into adulthood she was a devoted member of the International Order Rainbow for Girls. Diana helped establish a new assembly in Arroyo Grande. She was appointed as Grand Color Bearer, serving as a state officer in 1946. Diana graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1947.
She earned her AA in art from Stockton College, transferring to the College of Pacific also located in Stockton, CA. That is where she met the love of her life John (aka Jack or JR). They married in Morris Chapel on campus June 9th, 1951. They lived in the married student housing until Jack graduated from college. Diana discontinued her studies and supported Jack by working at Pacific Bell as a switchboard operator. After Jack's graduation they made their first real home in Modesto, California where Diana became a full-time homemaker. All four of their children were born in Modesto. Diana became very involved with the children's PTA in their respective schools and was an integral part of forming St. Paul's Episcopal youth group for teens (EYC). As a family they enjoyed time on their boat on the Delta, camping throughout California and on the Oregon Coast, as well as fishing throughout the state and skiing at Dodge Ridge. They lived in Modesto until 1970, relocating to Sonora that summer.
While in Sonora Diana remained involved in Rainbow where she was bestowed the highest honor a member can receive, the Grand Cross of Color. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church and a member of Eastern Star. She also worked part time.
Following Jack's retirement, they moved to Florence, Oregon in 1987. While in Oregon Diana loved to go out on their boat to go salmon fishing and crabbing. Even though Diana didn't drive a car she loved to drive the boat. She also enjoyed going for walks on the beach with their dog Nikki, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling. Diana and her husband were parishioners at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Florence. She served many years on the Altar Guild. With the church Diana participated in the creation of the memorial garden where her remains will be laid to rest with her loving husband Jack. Upon Jack's death, Diana remained in Florence until moving to Virginia in 2019 to live with her youngest daughter and her family.
Throughout her life Diana was an avid reader, card player (Bridge being her favorite), swimmer, baker and also loved a good cocktail. She enjoyed sharing stories of her youth and family history.
Her greatest joy of her life was her family. She always made sure to tell them how proud she was of them and how she "loved them to pieces". Diana was truly a happy and sweet lady that never had a bad thing to say about another. She was so forgiving and the depth of her love for her family set the example of what unconditional love is. Her family will always cherish her memory and will forever miss her.
A family celebration of life will be held next July in California. Diana is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. "