Diane Kae Myers

Diane Kae (Smith/Collier) Myers, 67, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on August 13, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends. She leaves a legacy of love, creativity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Born on February 7, 1959, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Diane graduated from Waurika High School in 1976 and later earned a double bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating with honors in 1980. She later returned to school as a working mom to obtain a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2000. Diane lived as a proud Oklahoman even while living and working in Texas for a number of years.

She worked numerous jobs in the medical field before advancing to Director of Clinical Appeals for PAM Health. She managed an expanding team of ten Appeals Specialists, earning the highest praise from her department heads and directing operations through multiple expansions. Her ingenuity, resourcefulness, and generous spirit led her to become a trusted voice when guiding her department to successful resolutions.

Her love for travel, music, and new experiences was fulfilled through New Orleans Jazz Fests, trips to New York and San Francisco, San Antonio Hill Country wine tours, Memphis in May, and vacations with friends to Charleston, Savannah, California, and Colorado.

But above all stood her love and devotion to all things OU. From season tickets for OU football to women's softball, basketball, gymnastics, and even OU men's baseball, her alma mater was ever on her mind and in her heart. Many people in an elevator or thrift store checkout line were treated to the OU Boomer Sooner Fight Song blaring from her phone whenever she received a call.

Diane loved DIY projects, whether refinishing a treasured piece of furniture, repairing an appliance, tackling a home improvement project, or creating something from scratch. She was the undisputed queen of thrift stores, seeing possibility and beauty in things others might overlook.

She was raised by strong women, her mother and grandmother, who taught her there was nothing a woman could not accomplish. She passed that belief on to her children and grandchildren, teaching Samantha how to use power tools and fix things on her own. Sammi dubbed her "MacGyver Mom" for her magic "grocery sacks and duct tape" Girl Scout camping mats that saved the day.

Diane's son Todd was her favorite handyman for the larger projects. From installing air conditioners to completely tiling a new kitchen, to tearing out old appliances and installing new ones, Todd was given many opportunities to be the hero. Two of Todd's greatest joys were fixing things for his mama and attending OU football games with her, showing fans how real fans cheer on the Sooners.

Being an only child meant that Diane considered friends part of her family. Friendships spanned decades, and the children of those friends were like nieces and nephews to her. From St. Patrick's Day celebrations to three-day tailgates at the OU/texas games, to the liveliest Festivus gatherings, Diane threw herself into the joy of celebrating with others. She embodied strength and grace at the same time and showed her family that women never have to choose between being capable, embracing their femininity, and simply being themselves.

Above all, Diane cherished her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Don, and a loving mother and grandmother who made every child feel special. She delighted in playing games, creating yummy snacks, sharing laughter, and making memories with her grandchildren. They knew that time with Meemaw would always be fun. She never missed an opportunity to show up, whether for a school event, sporting event, performance, celebration, or milestone. Her family always knew they were loved because she made them a priority.

Whether cheering for the Sooners, tackling a home project, helping a friend, or spoiling her grandchildren, Diane approached life with enthusiasm, courage, and an open heart.

Diane is survived by her husband, Don Myers; her son, Todd Collier and wife Morgan; her daughter, Samantha (Collier) Foster; Don's children, Shelina Godsey and Jeffrey Myers; and her beloved grandchildren: Michael Palmer, Amen Sanavonxay, Mikayla Collier, Zackary Collier, Jordan Keller, AJ Collier, Jerry Godsey Jr., Gage Foster, Lilly Foster, Azariah Godsey, and Justice Godsey. She is also survived by a multitude of beloved friends, godchildren, and "adopted" nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Smith of Arizona; her mother, Rita Smith of Oklahoma; and her grandmother, Annie Watson of Oklahoma.

Diane's family will remember her as a woman who loved to care for her garden and plants, protect pollinators and butterflies, and make every child feel important.

More than her many talents, they will remember her generous heart, her fierce love, and the example she set through a life lived with purpose, creativity, and kindness. Though she is deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the countless lessons, memories, and acts of love she leaves behind.

"A mother's love is forever woven into the lives she touched."

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on September 5, 2026, at Primrose Funeral Service, 3901 N Flood Ave., Norman, OK 73069, US.