diane Lee McKelvy Benedict

Diane Lee McKelvy Benedict, age 74, passed away on July 21, 2025, in Apple Valley, California, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 17, 1950, at Fort Riley, Kansas, Diane lived a life marked by service, spirit, and vibrant individuality.

Diane proudly served her country in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, where she rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Known for her strong will, attention to detail, and fierce determination, she later carried those same qualities into her second career as an elementary school administrator at Irwin Academy School of Performing Arts. She inspired and uplifted generations of students, parents, and colleagues with her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to accessible education.

She had a deep love of music and the performing arts, often playing the flute alongside her daughter and husband in the Victor Valley College Symphonic Band and Flute Choir. A lifelong fan of musicals and theater, Diane especially adored the voices of Barbra Streisand and Celtic Thunder. Her appreciation for powerful music, sweeping emotion, and artistry was a true reflection of her own expressive soul. She brought that same vibrant spirit into her everyday life—right down to her signature purple hair, and her mango orange Jeep.

Diane was adventurous and curious by nature. She loved geocaching, RVing, and camping—spending decades making memories with her family on the road and under the stars. She also loved bowling, playing games, traveling abroad, going to shows, and spending time with her family.

An animal lover through and through, Diane had dachshunds her entire life and was a passionate advocate for animal rescue. She was part of an exclusive group of friends known as the Grandma Wienerettes—a circle that formed years ago through their shared love of a little dog named Obie. She is survived by her beloved pups, Luna and Mocha, and is no doubt being joyfully greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by the many cherished pets who went before her.

She had a feisty spark, a big laugh, and a deeply inquisitive mind. Whether standing up for those in need or blazing her own trail, Diane lived life unapologetically and on her own terms right until the end.

Diane is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Stephen Benedict; her children, Chelsea King, Stephen Benedict, and Jennifer Lambert; and her cherished grandchildren, Kayelynn Lambert, Anamarie Lambert, and Aric Lambert. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Dunlap. Diane is reunited in peace with her beloved parents, Dexter and Dorothy "Patt" McKelvy, and her sister, Randi McKelvy.

Diane’s legacy is one of strength, creativity, and an untamed spirit. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by her family, her friends, her dogs, and anyone she encountered along the way.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

“She was the bravest person I ever knew.”

– Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird