Diane La Valley

-Cardinal Mermillod

She exuded a positive radiance, had a million-dollar smile and deep blue eyes that glistened with hope and determination. Her friends and coworkers recalled her as “the sweetest person,” her husband referred to her as “the love of his life,” and her children lovingly called her “mom and best friend.” She brought joy to everyone she met, was a blessing to her family and an angel on earth.

On November 11, 2015, at 1:50 p.m., Diane La Valley spread her wings after a long and tough eight month battle against acute myeloid leukemia. Heaven gained a perfect angel and her family lost their best friend, role model, mother, daughter, sister, and wife.

Diane was born in Evanston, Illinois, on October 12, 1963, to the late Clarence Pahnke and Marita Pahnke. Her parents moved to Montgomery, Texas, in 1976, where she attended high school at Montgomery High School. Diane excelled academically, graduating with honors in 1982, and was captain of the Bonnie Belles Drill Team.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work and was a member of Phi Beta Chi Sorority at the University of Texas. She met and fell in love with her soon to be husband, Jerome La Valley, while attending college. Diane proceeded with her education to earn her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Upon graduating, the two lovebirds were married on July 2, 1988. The newlyweds travelled the world for several years together. Soon after moving to Long Beach, California, they had their daughter, Kathleen La Valley, in 1993. Then after moving back to Texas, Diane gave birth to their son, Andrew La Valley, in 1996. Diane retired earlier this month as a Senior Accounting Manager for Valero Energy Corporation/Corner Store Brands after 18 years.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Pahnke and nephew, Chaz Pahnke. She is survived by her devoted husband of 27 years, Major Jerome J. La Valley of San Antonio, Texas, her daughter Kathleen La Valley of Grapevine, Texas, and her son Andrew La Valley of Kings Point, New York. Diane is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Sharon Boulware and husband Scott of Bridgeport, Texas, Sandra Dupree and husband Dale of Arlington, Texas, James Walter Pahnke and wife Kelli of Montgomery, Texas and Lance Pahnke and wife Tina of Montgomery, Texas; her nieces and nephews: Eric Boulware, Jeannie Boulware, Kevin Boulware, Jordan Dupree, Bryan Dupree, Jake Dupree, Keagan Pahnke, Taylor Pahnke, Chad Pahnke and Zane Pahnke. The family would love to give a special recognition to the amazing nurses, doctors and staff who helped Diane through her journey at Brooks Army Medical Center.

Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, Texas, followed by the burial held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service and celebration of Diane La Valley’s life will convene on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 9 a.m.in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.