Dian Lynn Magruder

Dian was born to Jae and Alice Collver on October 31, 1948, in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

When she was young her family, including oldest brother Ivan (who survives), older brother Leon, sister Gloria, twin sister Donna and youngest brother Rollie (all preceding her in death), moved to Ashland, Oregon, where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Southern Oregon State College, with a degree in nursing.

Dian married Radford Magruder who already had 3 children: Debbie, David and Doug. Together, they made their home in Fair oaks, California. She worked as an ER nurse for American River College and Kaiser Hospitals. She taught CPR and did moulage, creating simulated injuries for medical training scenarios. Dian was member of the Emergency Nurses Association and American Heart Association.

Being a grandmother to Becky, Trisha, John, Travis, Jessica, Douglas, David & Alicia brought Dian much joy and she was a proud great-grandmother to the many great-grandchildren they blessed her with. Coming from a large family of five siblings she was deeply connected to her many nieces, nephews, and their children as well. Dian was proud of everyone’s accomplishments and often spoke about them with love and admiration to anyone who would listen.

Dian’s village included so many cherished friends from all walks of life with whom she shared countless great times, had fabulous parties including her big retirement and 70th birthday bash. There were also weekly card games, and cozy movie days at home with takeout. In later years when she could no longer drive, some of those same friends helped her make her cherished annual visits to Oregon. She often recalled these wonderful memories fondly.

Dian absolutely loved adventure. In her earlier years she would take family and friends to the mountains in search of wildflowers or for scenic photo spots, or to the beach to collect sea glass and feel the sand between her toes. There were many trips to Disneyland and other area attractions, Bodega Bay and San Francisco, among others. Dian also traveled across the Unites States to see national parks and famous landmarks, sometimes with her twin sister Donna. She and her sister Gloria went back to Minnesota meeting their brother Ivan there and to visit their father, Jae, before his passing. She got up to Eugene a few times to see her brother Leon. She even ventured to Alaska, Germany, Italy and Mexico and beyond.

Over the years, Dian had many passions. Knitting hats for the homeless, macrame art, tollhouse painting, writing poetry and more. She often encouraged others to hone their own skills supporting them by buying their creations.

Last but certainly not least, Dian had a huge heart and special connection with her many rescued dogs over the years. The list of names is too long to share but each one brought her unconditional love and joy. She spoiled every one of them endlessly.

Dian had a wonderful, sassy sense of humor and her infectious laughter still rings in the air. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She has chosen to be cremated and laid to rest in Ashland, Oregon. Plans for a celebration of life will be shared later. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your local animal rescue or a Sacramento-Area animal shelter in her honor.