When Bob called us about Diane’s passing, Marilyn and I could not believe what just happened. Over the past several of years, she encountered a number of setbacks, but through such difficulties, she would rebound and carry on life in her own special way. Marilyn told Diane in her last visit to us in May of 2018 that she was one tough girl. She said I know. Often I wonder what our parents would think of her journey in life. Although our parents died in our 20’s, I think they would be extremely happy about how special she was a wife, mother and grandmother. Although we lived several states apart through out our adult life, our times together with her and Bob were special. Our trips to Mesa and Prescott were some our best times like eating French Fried Shoestrings at The Palace in Prescott with motorcycle riders and their dogs sitting near by.  Bob and Diane were able to visit us in Topeka several times recently. For hours we would sit around our kitchen table drinking some wine and telling stories about “all things important”. It is with great sadness we have lost a sister and sister-law. We greatly appreciate the kind words by so many of her friends about her passing. She will be missed.

We have had the pleasure of knowing Diane for 30 pleasurable years. We have been on many excursions, camping trips, social events and always fun times at her homes. She welcomed us with open loving arms. One of our favorite memories forever recorded on film was her and Bob's visit to us in our honeymoon suite at the Phoenician following our nuptials. After consuming an adult beverage, we decided to sneak down to the ginormous pool for a midnight swim (yes we had bathing suits) We are finding it very hard to imagine a world without her.

She was a consummate decorator, applying her decorating talent to her many homes. Always on the cutting edge of the latest decorating styles she employed her loving husband Bob. He also was talented and skilled as construction foreman, designer, and laborer to her many innovations. Her homes were a joy to visit and see the latest styles..

Diane was a fashionista of the highest order. Always dressed impeccably and quaffed immaculately. We don't know of a single outlet mall in the seven western states that she missed. 

Besides her marriage to Bob her beautiful daughters were her priority. Guiding, caring, and loving them unconditionally, she was the superlative mother hen to her cover girl chicks.

Diane was the adult supervisor to Bob and his many friends when a multitude of schemes doomed for failure entered our tiny minds. As we aged, memories faded and we could always count on MS Diane as the Google Default for information or names from long past memories. 

You meet many people throughout your life, but only a handful are written indelibly in your memory.  Diane was one of those.

With or without our spouses, we could chat for hours and shared a passion for a glass of Reisling or an Appletini or two!  I miss my wine & dine partner and we miss our couples' dinners out.  We miss sharing our everyday stories about life, children and grandchildren.

Bob,
I have especially appreciated memories of your family since Chris has lived there and we were blessed to see you & Diane more often.
Loved how hospitable Diane would put out a food spread for us on short notice. She was so interested in each of us and how we were doing.
Loved one visit Diane & your girls were having fun talking about reading a book together.  Was so cool to see the connection between Diane & Christine & Sabrina & you.
Lindsay & Chris were here too that visit -  Lindsay & I ended up getting that book too & read together.
We love you & know will miss Diane - but know you have so many around you who Love you.
Marcie

                 Diane's Poem
You were chosen by our brother 
You're the mother of his daughters - no sons
Bob chose you to be our sister
And we were the blessed ones
Gentle woman, quiet Light
Morning star, so strong so bright
Gentle mother, peaceful Dove
Teach us wisdom teach us Love
                by Kathy Felix

Bob and Family
54 years of memories of Diane it's hard to choose. Being a brides maid in your wedding was a huge honor. Frank and I loved doing the "Kar Kareoke" with you our way to the 2018 Reunion.
There will always be a special place in our hearts for Diane.
Love
Kath & Frank 



Diane and I spent our elementary through high school years as dear friends. We were in tap dance, Blue Bird Girls,
Campfire Girls, band, pep club, twirlers, and I really don't think we ever had an argument much less a fight. We went to different colleges and drifted apart. But years latter we got back together and it was as if we never been apart. We talked on the phone every month or so. Diane was always the cute, little blond. When she was diagnosed the second time with cancer, I started praying for her and we talked a lot.
She will live in my heart forever. Anytime I hear an oboe, or see a flag twirller, I will loving remember my precious little friend.
Love always,
Janet Chatfield Johnson

A couple of my fondest memories of Diane was hanging out on the square in Prescott on a weekend, listening to music and eating pizza and ice cream afterwards.  Of course cheering "our little girls" on at soccer was the best!  A good friend and always fun to be with.  I will miss her. Love, Christine

Bob & Family
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Diane's passing.  She was such a sweetheart, loved and admired by many. 
 I had the pleasure of being her accompanist for her oboe lessons and contests.  We even took the Rocket to Denver for lessons a time or so.  To this day, the oboe is my favorite instrument.  She played it beautifully.
Dana and Janet asked me to notify our classmates and keep them updated.  I imagine you've seen the email I sent and the post I shared on Facebook.  I hope the comments of sorrow have comforted you.
I hope you will also find comfort in the words of one of my favorite quotations- "Death casts a dark shadow that cannot linger long in the lovely light of a life well lived." - Sharon Randall
Dennis & Gaylene Shank
(Secy - GHS Class of 1964)

Diane is a lady with the biggest smile  and sweetest heart of anyone I know.  
Bob you were a most fortunate man to  live with Diane for all those years, raise two gorgeous daughters and four beautiful grandchildren.  we all will miss Diane so much.  May God bless you always.
I love you and your family my beloved brother. 

It was with great sadness that I heard the news that Diane had passed. I met the Demay's almost 25 years ago. They introduced me to one of my dearest friends, Leslie Cannerday! Diane, and her family, have always been so welcoming to everyone they met. She will be missed greatly. Our prayers to the family during this time of loss. 


Bob and I worked together for a few years for LSI.  I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear the sad news and to let Bob and his children know they are in our thoughts and prayers

We were sad to hear the news of Diane’s passing. She was a wonderful person and we enjoyed spending time with her at neighborhood functions. We know Diane will be missed so many. May she Rest In Peace. Regretfully, Jen and I will be in Florida or we would certainly have attended her services. 

Prayers to Bob,  Christine and Sabrina.  I have so many fond childhood memories spent with Diane.  She was a sweet, kind special lady that will be missed greatly.

I have many wonderful memories of Diane and family from my childhood. She was like a second mom to me and very good to me and my family, the whole DeMay family was.  I will always remember her smile and warm personality.  My heart goes out to Sabrina, Christine, Bob and the grandchildren.  You are all in my family’s thoughts and prayers. ♥️

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Diane's friends and family.  Diane and I graduated high school together.  Even though we didn't run around together we were friends and I will always remember Diana as being kind, considerate and she had a smile for everyone.
My deepest condolences.

Mrs. Delay will always be the “coolest” Mom.  After school hanging out at The Demays.  Will never forget our Trip to Las Vegas for a dance competition where She displayed how much she loved her daughter and friends.  

To her family;  find peace in the wonderful memories you shared and comfort knowing your mom will have no more pain!

The world has lost a truly wonderful person. I will miss her. I can't imagine the loss to your family. That's what Diane was all about. Kids and now grandkids.  I have so many memories of your  wife/mother/grandmother. All of them good. All the pool parties at the Demay house. Always the hostess with the mostess. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  I know you girls will take care of your Dad like your Mom did.
Love always,
Jim, Nita, Misty & Neisha


Oh, the sweet memories of Diane.
 I remember you and Bob staying at our house when you went to one of your High School reunions. You had such a sweet, soft voice, and your laughter was contagious.  You always enjoyed visiting with your old classmates and catching up. I remember the BIG plastic wine glass you had with you, and loved your favorite wine. 
The reunion at your house was so amazing...and you hardly sat still for one minute---always scurrying around the kitchen, making sure everything was cleaned up - after you had put the "spread" of food out for everyone to enjoy.
Then when Steve and 11 other guys came down to Phoenix to golf for 3 days - one of the courses next to your house - and met the guys on one of the tee boxes with food & beverage.  That is SO you and Bob!
That adorable smile of hers....the soft-spoken voice, with a cute little laugh like no one else....the petite pretty lady that never had a hair out of place, and was always "dressed to the T"....such a caring person, and a great listener....house was immaculate, and decorated beautifully......so fun, and always up for a good time with family and friends....the best wife, mother, and grandmother a family could ask for.... strong woman, with a gentle heart.....fighter, oh, such a fighter. Diane...we all are so blessed to have had you for so many years in our lives. You have a place in our hearts always. May we all learn how to be a better person just from knowing you.
How we will all miss you sweet Diane - but we will cherish the time we had with you - and remember the wonderful memories of you
 Love you forever and ever, sweet sister-in-law.


Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will miss Diane. Such a sweet, caring person.

OBITUARY

Diane Carol DeMay

2 October, 1946 – 25 October, 2018

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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