Diane Kay Caulkins

Diane was born in Lincoln Nebraska on October 9, 1959, the third daughter of Robert and Janice Eicher. Diane’s early years were spent in Milford Nebraska, before moving to Ankeny Iowa at the age of nine. Eventually her father’s career took the family to Lincoln Nebraska where Diane graduated from Lincoln East High. Diane attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration. Diane was proud to carry the long family tradition of being a Nebraska alum and loyal Cornhusker fan.

Diane met her husband Doug through mutual friends in Lincoln, and they were married on November 26, 1988. Diane and Doug shared a love of sports and music, with Diane spending many happy hours listening to Doug, a professional musician, play in venues across the country.

Diane’s career in Information Technology with U.S. West took them to Seattle Washington and they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Kyle and son Corey. The family moved to Thornton, Colorado where her children graduated from Mountain Range High School. Diane adored being a mother and was an ardent supporter of her children and their many activities, be it baseball, gymnastics, or music. Following her certification in Audit, Diane and Doug moved to Phoenix Arizona where Diane took a management position with Charles Schwab. Diane loved living in Arizona, where she could play golf year-round, and be a destination for friends and family to escape winter weather.

As all who knew Diane can attest, she quickly made friends wherever she lived, and had many deep and enduring friendships. For Diane, a room of new people were friends waiting to be made. Family was at the center of Diane’s life, and many of her happiest times were with extended family members at celebrations, reunions, and holidays. Diane’s house was always known as a welcoming place, offering open doors for friends and family.

Among Diane’s special qualities were her positive outlook, ready smile, care for those around her and love of a joyful gathering of friends and family. Diane’s sunny disposition and her ever-present belief that tomorrow would be a better day are a lasting legacy for those who loved her. Even when Diane fell ill, her sense of humor and optimism came through and we shared her hope for the cure Diane believed was just around the corner.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Jan Eicher. She is survived by her beloved husband, Doug Caulkins, her daughter Kyle Carsrud (Sam) of Castle Rock CO and son Corey Caulkins (Kevin Vu) of Phoenix AZ, as well as her sisters Cathy MacInnes (Rick) of Omaha NE and Nancy Eicher of Minneapolis MN. Also left to mourn our loss of Diane are Doug’s brothers, Dan Caulkins (Marilyn) and Dave Caulkins (Carolyn) all in Lincoln NE. Diane also leaves behind three nieces and one nephew, their spouses and children, and many cousins, aunts and uncles, and dear friends across multiple states.

Thanks to the Banner MD Anderson Center for their care of Diane, and to her wonderful colleagues at Schwab for the flexibility and space they gave her to continue the work she loved as she grew ill.

Rest well, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend. You will be missed by many people and always loved for the joy you brought to the world around you. Our world is a sunnier place for having had your presence in it.

A memorial service for Diane will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Diane’s name can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at info-komen.org/goto/Diane_Caulkins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the CAULKINS family.