Diane Lynn Richey

After graduating high school, Diane started her career as a Secretary and worked her way up to become the first female to perform non-destructive testing for the U.S. military aircraft industry.

Diane was a dedicated mother and a hard worker. She was an amazing handywoman, creative, and an out of the box thinker. She had such natural ability and talent when working with her hands on home construction projects that it was rare that she needed to hire outside help. She was generous with this ability and it was common to find her helping others without being asked.

When she wasn’t busy working, Diane enjoyed being in the great outdoors and she loved camping and fishing. She was an animal lover, advocate, and protector of all animal types and species. She would go out of her way to do anything for animals in need. She consistently donated to Humane and Wildlife Societies.

Diane met her life partner, Emma Mimms, later in life but the bond was immediate and lasting. Theirs was a loyal, committed relationship that sustained them through good times and bad. They were rarely apart in the 35 years they had together. Whether something as simple as a trip to the grocery store or building a shed they worked together to accomplish their goals.

Diane was an amazing woman who will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

She was preceded in passing by her father, Jerry Belless and mother, Audrey Belless. Diane is survived by her life partner, Emma Mimms, her brother, Jerry Belless Jr., her children, Sherri (Jed) Ward, Keith (Debbie) Richey, Janica (Donald) Gilbert, Paula (Brenda) Hardy, Judi Nickell, Vicki (Carl) Droegemeier and Vernon (Barbara) Mimms, twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and a host of extended friends and family.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please donate to RCDAS Riverside County: https://rcdas.org/support/donate