Diana Faye Mekelburg, 73, of Phoenix Arizona, passed away ever so quietly on November 12, 2018, succumbing to Alzheimer’s Disease. Diana was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis A. Mekelburg (Denny), her mother Goldie Littlefield, daughters Rhonda L. Asaro (husband Dan), and Heather E. Stauffer (husband Joel), grandsons Joshua M. Asaro, Jeremy A. Asaro, granddaughter Lauren H. Stauffer, great granddaughter Lily Asaro, sisters Marie Thome (husband Richard) and Teresa K. Mahan. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Krista F. Mekelburg.
Diana’s quick smile and warm heart continued to engage people even as Alzheimer’s Disease erased memories, abilities, and senses.
Diana was born on April 19th, 1945 in Thomas Oklahoma. To Roscoe and Goldie Hunter.
Diana married on October 9th, 1965 to Dennis Mekelburg (Denny) in Greeley Colorado. The couple then lived in California and returned to the bay area after the wedding.
They moved back to Greeley when Denny received his draft notice. Diana worked in Greeley while Denny went through Air Force basic training and tech school.
Diana worked at the bookstore at Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado) as the secretary. When Diana was pregnant with Rhonda, she resigned from the bookstore and Denny became the Assistant Manager.
Daughter Rhonda was born in Greeley in May of 1967.
In August of 1969 Krista was born in Greeley. Krista passed away on September 4, just five days after she was born.
The family moved to Pueblo Colorado in 1969.
Daughter Heather was born in Pueblo in January of 1971.
Her children and grandchildren were of utmost importance to her. She loved to have them in our home or spend time with them in travels. She was proud of their accomplishments; however, she was just as proud of them as people.
Diana had the gift of hospitality and loved to entertain in the home. Most of the time the entertaining was not a formal thing, it was just people gathering together for food and fellowship. It might have been family, or it might have been church related, or it might have been friends.
Children, especially babies and toddlers, and animals, especially small or baby animals, would always capture her attention. Even as she slipped away with Alzheimer’s Disease images of children and animals would elicit smiles from her.
Diana worked in the medical field for most of her career.
Diana’s professional designations and experience included:
Certified Ophthalmic Technician, with a specialty in Ophthalmic Surgical Technology.
Clinical Research Associate in multiple drug and device clinical trials.
Clinical Research Trainer, including travel to France and Singapore.
National Field Trainer, training on various pharmaceutical and device protocols.
Presented multiple times at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Presented at the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Co-Authored “Guide to Operating Room Instruments and Sterile Technique” to assist Haitian operating room staff.
Was a member of the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology.
Was a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Was a Certified Medical Transcriptionist.
A highlight for Diana was participating in medical missions to Ecuador and Haiti. During these missions she assisted in refractions and dispensing glasses, worked beside the ophthalmologists performing surgeries, and of course comforted and loving the little children who were patients or with their parents.
Diana will be interred beside daughter Krista Faye in Greeley Colorado.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18