Dianne Thompson McDonald

Dianne Thompson McDonald, 73, of Orange Beach, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026. For many years until her retirement in 2014, she spent her professional career uplifting elementary students as a school counselor in the Vestavia Hills, Alabama schools system.

Dianne was preceded in death by her first husband, Randy Thompson; her mother, Selvis Wallace; and her father, Raymond Wallace. She was a devoted wife to Mike McDonald for the last 30 years.

Since her retirement, she and Mike enjoyed their life together, residing in Orange Beach, Alabama. She was a member of Orange Beach Church, where she served alongside her church friends with Martha’s Mission.

Dianne was a loving mother to her son, Rhett Thompson; her daughter, Courtney Ridgeway (Scott), and her stepdaughters, Timberly Harris (Jack) and Melanie Selby (Jim). She was a loving “DD” to her grandchildren: Olivia Harris, Rayden Thompson, Ava Grace Selby, Elijah Selby, Lillie Selby, Abbie Ridgeway Baker (Jamison), Thompson Ridgeway, and Laralee Ridgeway; and her great-granddaughter, Nora. She was a loving sister to Greg Wallace (Anita), Tim Wallace (Pam), and Brad Wallace.

Dianne was born on August 13, 1952, and grew up in Randolph, Alabama. She attended Bibb County High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Montevallo and then went on to receive her Master's in Counseling.

Dianne embraced life with joy and gratitude. She never met a stranger and cared deeply for others, always wearing a smile and radiating a positive outlook on life. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, enjoyed daily walks, going to the Orange Beach rec center, cooking, reading her devotions, and listening to the Gaither Vocal Band.

Dianne's faith was at the center of everything she did. She prayed daily for her family and friends, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her. Her legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Jim Kinder from Orange Beach Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Martha’s Missions at Orange Beach Church, 28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561.