Diane Karen Overby

Diane Karen Knudson was born to Signie and Clifford Knudson on October 11, 1946 at Emanuel Hospital, Portland, Oregon. Two brothers Clifford and Duane joined the family later. She was raised in N.E. Portland attending Woodlawn Grade School and graduating from Jefferson High School going on to Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington for her freshman year. Due to her mom’s unexpected pregnancy Diane wanted to be available to support her so she transferred her credits to Cascade College, Portland, Oregon. It was at this time she met her future husband, David Overby. David tells of the time he first saw her come through the door at Cascade, asking the professor next to him, “Who is that?” Eventually, they started dating (fist date was January 6, 1966) and two years later they were married on August 17, 1968. Diane continued her education at Portland State University graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education and later received her Master of Teaching degree from PSU. Her teaching career in the Beaverton School District covered stints at Beaver Acres, Aloha Park and Terra Linda Elementary, 2nd- 5th grades. In 1974, Nathan and Aaron were born living less than a year. In 1983 our son Andrew was born passing away two weeks later. All three had the same rare disease Werdig -Hoffman. In the mid-80’s Diane was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Shortly after that diagnosis she retired from teaching.

Diane’s spiritual journey began at a church called Wings of Healing where she at a very early age asked Jesus to come into her heart. She faithfully served her Lord over the years, teaching Sunday School at St Johns Assembly of God and then supporting David in his teaching in various churches, singing in choirs and hosting home Bible studies. She and David never went a day without praying and reading the Bible together. She loved Jesus. New Hope Community Church graciously provided several volunteers who supported Diane compassionately and wonderfully through this journey. On January 26, 2024, Diane went to meet the open arms of Jesus and our sons, Nathan, Aaron and Andrew, plus many others who preceded her.

We can’t thank Kaiser’s Hospice, Palliative and Home Health Care enough for their compassionate care.