Diane was born in San Diego, California, on September 20, 1946 to Louise Wilkins and Leo Thomas Bowden. WW II was over and her father returned to the family to begin a new life in California. Diane joined sister Linda and 5 years later welcomed sister Sandi to the family.
At age 7, Diane experienced 2 traumatic life changing events. She woke up not able to breathe and was rushed to the hospital in a police car, where a tracheotomy was performed and she was placed in the polio ward, where for 10 days she could not talk or see her family. God in His mercy kept her from getting polio. She always said, "I couldn't talk for 10 days, and I've been making up for it ever since!" A few months later her father disappeared and abandoned the family. Her mother worked hard to keep the family together. The uncertainty and fear of abandonment had a lasting impact on Diane. Later that year she learned of a heavenly Father who loved her and would never leave her or forsake her, and she gave her life to Jesus as her Saviour and Lord.
As she grew, the church family became an important part of her life. She developed lifelong friendships and learned to serve others. She committed her life to serve the Lord Jesus in whatever He called her to do. She felt she wanted to be a teacher and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. She moved from California to Portland, Oregon to seek a position in her field but didn't find the perfect job right away. She worked at the Matterhorn Restaurant, and one day a family came in just before school was to start. In serving them she asked the children about school, and the father, a superintendent, said he had started that day. She told them she wanted to teach, and when they asked what she could teach, they were amazed because their home economics teacher had resigned that morning! When Diane shared that she had been praying for the Lord's direction, they were so happy to learn that she was a follower of Jesus. She was hired on the spot, and taught for 4 years in Gaston, Oregon High School.
She had also found a group of young adults at Montavilla Baptist Church, where she made many friends. It was there that she met Byron Grant. They became friends working together with the high school youth group. In March 1973 they began dating and God drew them together. They were engaged in December 1973, and married June 15, 1974. They were blessed with the addition of Nathan to the family on September 16, 1976, 4 days before her 30th birthday, which was a goal she had!
God had called them both to serve Him as missionaries, and they answered the call joining North America Indigenous Ministries in June 1979. Again they were blessed with the addition of Rebecca to the family in January 1980.
Diane served her Lord with all the gifts and talents He blessed her with. There were many craft days, countless meals served, hospitality in her home, community dinners, decorations for church services and events, leading Bible Studies, counselling and just loving everyone with the love of Jesus Christ. In 1997 she and Byron began the SAY YES! after-school tutoring program. Diane's love for the children, her desire to see them know Jesus and become all the HE created them to be became her motivation to serve for 26 years in the program. Homes of the children she taught are decorated with craft projects Diane planned. Many of the children say their favourite part of SAY YES! is the delicious meals that Diane planned and served. And of course she is know for her pizza sized chocolate chip cookies!!! Birthdays, graduations, special achievements, holidays were all occasions for a chocolate chip cookie! Rice Krispie bears were also a Diane invention. No task failed with her drive and energy behind it.
Most importantly, Diane was a godly woman, a virtuous woman who's heart's desire is for all people to know the heavenly Father who loves them and gave his one and only son to save us from our sins and give us a home in heaven forever. He will never leave or forsake you.
Diane went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on May 16, 2024 after a brief battle with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Diane is lovingly remembered by her husband Byron, son Nathan and his wife Lisa and daughter Rebecca. Diane will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren Seamus, Maryn and Donovan and her siblings Linda Cottrell and Sandra Nieto and her husband Manuel as well as other family members, her church family and a host of friends. A celebration of Diane's life will take place on Saturday June 15, 2024, as this date coincides with Byron and Diane's 50th wedding anniversary. The service will begin at 1:00 pm in Glenhaven Memorial Chapel 1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. A celebration gathering will take place at New Beginnings Baptist Church 1587 Frances Street, Vancouver following the service. In lieu of flowers donations to the NAIM Campfund would be appreciated in Diane’s memory.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2