Diane attended Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida, where she was a member of the Riverview Kiltie Band, and graduated in 1981. After high school, she worked for a time at Publix Supermarkets in Sarasota, Florida. She graduated from Manatee Community College in Bradenton, Florida, as well as Florida State University; she went on to attend St. Petersburg and Hillsborough Community College. She also graduated from the Community College of the Air Force in Montgomery, Alabama.
Diane was a Master Sargent in the United States Air Force, serving during the Persian Gulf War. Later, she served in the United States Air Force Reserves as a medic. She was also stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where she worked as a Clinic and Training NCOIC at the United States Special Operations Command (USSCOM). She was also a member of the United States Air Force 724 AF Band.
From 1993 until 2010, Diane served as a Hazmat Lieutenant with Tampa Florida Fire Rescue. She later served as a volunteer at Lansing Fire and Rescue Department in Lansing, North Carolina.
From 2012 to 2017 Diane worked as a Field Representative with Advantage Solutions. Until her passing, she was employed with Crossmark as a Product and Event Coordinator, and was a Produce Clerk with Publix Supermarkets as well, in Boone, North Carolina.
A lifelong lover of animals, she worked as an Animal Advocate at Ashe County Animal Control in North Carolina, and a volunteer at Happy Tails Rescue of West Jefferson, North Carolina.
Diane was also a member of the First Lutheran Church in Inverness, Florida.
Diane is survived by her mother Elfriede Hinck and her sister Susan Runge (Hinck). She is also survived by her "fur-babies", her beloved dogs: Luke, Daisey, Sweet Pea, and Lily.
Diane was preceded in death by her father Henry Peter Hinck, and her brother-in-law, John Runge.
A visitation with celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Palms - Robarts Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. An Interment with honor guard will take place on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72 in Sarasota, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
