After graduation, Diane married Milton Grinde and they moved to Minneapolis. Their son, Wade, was born in 1970 and in 1975 they moved to "Green Acres" in Plummer. Daughters, Amanda and Ericka were born in 1979 and 1981.

Diane was employed by Godfather's Pizza in Thief River Falls where she worked with her good friend Mary T. Diane, Amanda and Ericka participated in many horse shows with sister Bonnie's horses. She loved dressing up her two daughters and attending all of Wade's sporting events at Plummer High School. She was definitely Wade's biggest fan as were his two little sisters; known as the "Go Big Red Girls".

In 1989, the family moved to Elk River. Diane's home and garage were always filled with Amanda and Ericka's friends. "Mama G" took many kiddos under her wing while they worked, played and stayed at 156th Street. Diane also worked at Grosslein Beverages, Circuit Check and Holiday Inn until she retired into volunteering. Her volunteer work was with Faith In Action, Angels on Main Adult Daycare, RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Programs), and DC4K (Divorce Care for Kids @ River Of Life Church).

In 2006, Diane fell in love with Mexico while visiting for Amanda and Brian's wedding. Returning to Mexico became an annual tradition for Diane and her sister, Nancy Jo ("The Hermanas"). In 2011, Diane was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 6-9 months to live. Her family made sure that she didn't count the days left, instead, she made the days count. They created a bucket list and made many special memories at cabins in Balsam Lake, Biwabik, Okoboji, Arrowwood, and the magical Hollywoods! After 5 years of treatment at Mayo Clinic, Diane was discharged into the loving and capable hands of her Guardian Angels hospice nurses.

Nana thoroughly enjoyed her seven grandkids - Chase, Caden, Tysen, Tessa, Gavin, Blake and Gia. They are her:  "Heroes,"" Lights of Her Life" and "Shining Stars!" Cancun stole her heart, Kenny Chesney her love, River of Life her soul. She will always be "THE ONLY ONE WE GOT!"

Diane was surrounded by her family and peacefully was received into the arms of Jesus on December 6, 2017. Diane's family reunion in heaven includes her parents Floyd and Fern, sister Vickie, brother Scottie, and her Miltie. She is survived by Wade (Sarah) Grinde, Amanda (Brian) Bakken, Ericka (Matt) Johnson, her sisters Nancy Jo (Karl) and Bonnie (Pat), her Grand-Babies, and her Posse.

Funeral service 11 AM Monday (12/11/2017) at River of Life Church, 21695 Elk Lake Road NW, Elk River.  Visitation Sunday, 5-8 PM at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St. NW, Andover, and 1 hour prior to service at church.

Funeral service 11 AM Tuesday (12/12/2017) at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the funeral home dining area.  Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Memorials suggested to:  Faith in Action, 13074 Edgewood St SE, Becker, MN 55308, Attn: Pastor Becky.