With profound sadness yet enduring gratitude for a life well-lived, we bid farewell to our precious wife/mother/sister/Meme. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and boundless love.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Wayne Miller, her son Scott McClure (Terry), her daughters Kim Martinez (Robert) and Traci Moore (greg); her seven grandchildren Robert Martinez (Tamika), Zachary Martinez ( Jennifer), Joshua McClure (Cynthia), Brittany Kelly (Joseph); Taylor Moore (Allison), Emily Cavin (Tyler), Jackson Moore; eleven great grandchildren; and sisters Holly St. Clair (Tom) and Shelly Brandon (Charley). Diane was preceded in death by her mother Nita Irene Crandall Stanford and father David Douglas Winters Jr..
Born on 11/17/1939 in Mt. Zion, Iowa, Diane was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. She primarily grew up in Iowa and Oklahoma.
Diane and Ken met on a blind date and married November 15th, 1963 when they continued to share 60 years of a beautiful love story. Some of their favorite pastimes were travel, riding motorcycles with their friends, and RVing. Most of all however, they danced together every time they had a chance.
Ken and Diane moved to Kingsport, Tennessee in 1966. Diane was the owner/operator of Catalina Hair Fashions and Boutique in downtown Kingsport during the 70's and early 80's while raising her three children.
She always opened her home to anyone who needed a place to go for love and comfort as well as her legendary tough love if needed. She was honest, matter-of-fact, and tolerated no shenanigans. However, she loved equally hard and always provided guidance and support with that love.
Diane worked full time yet always had the crock pot humming to take care of the family. Her kitchen was a place of magic and comfort with home cooked meals and often the aroma of fresh baked cookies. Holiday feasts and Christmas were always magical with her special touch. The kitchen would be a whirl of baking and candy making.
Diane's passion for crafting was also widespread. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, cross stitch, and crocheting. She could turn ordinary materials into works of art that reflected her vibrant spirit. Her hands were never idle, and her creativity touched everyone around her. Her handcrafted gifts will forever be cherished reminders of her love and thoughtfulness. Reading and researching family genealogy were also among her passions.
Above all, Diane cherished her role as a mother... not just to her own children but as a mother figure to kids and teens all around. She was a mentor for adult women with disabilities and a caretaker of those who needed help. She always stepped up to help people anyway she could and she showed love to everyone who knew her.
Her love knew no bounds, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to nurturing and supporting her children and their close friends. She was a bold, strong woman and her unconditional love and guidance shaped the lives of so many people. She instilled the values of hard work, compassion, resilience, and joy.
In celebration of her remarkable life, the family and closest friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on June, 22, 2024. Together, we will honor Diane's memory and rejoice in the love, laughter, and countless stories she brought to our lives. We will truly celebrate her through all the beautiful children and grandchildren who will carry on her lineage.
Though she may be physically absent, her spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear and the love we share. Rest in peace, Me-ay/Mama/Meme, and know that you are forever cherished and deeply missed. We will "always remember... your (our) Mama loves you."
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