Diane Lou Butler

Diane Lou Butler died unexpectedly on Feb. 23, 2023, in her home in Mesquite, Nevada. She was 66 years old. Her family and friends are deeply shocked and saddened by her sudden death. 

Diane was born on October 9, 1956, to Amos and Flora (Thompson) Gagon in Ogden, Utah. Diane grew up in Layton, Utah, surrounded by her three sisters and two brothers. She attended Layton High School and worked at Hungry Bear as a carhop, stirring up only small amounts of mischief and developing many life-long friendships. 

Diane met and married Ronald Hales in 1973, giving birth to their daughter, Jenny, the following year. Their marriage ended shortly thereafter and she took on the challenging task of being a single, working mom. She had a brief career at the IRS, then Tooele Army Depot before moving to World Wide Landing Gear on Hill Air Force Base, as a civilian landing gear mechanic until her medical retirement. 

While working at HAFB, Diane met Randy Kendall. Diane and Randy married in July 1983 and went on to have a beautiful daughter, Natalie. Together they spent countless hours boating at Pineview, Flaming Gorge, and Lake Powell. Diane loved the sun and would radiate a beautiful nut-brown tan every summer. Diane and Randy were divorced in 1989. Diane then married Michael Butler, though their marriage ended after a few years. 

Even though they were often geographically distant, Diane was always very closely tied to her family. She would travel to Roosevelt or Evanston often to spend weeks or weekends with her sisters, brothers, or dad. After frequent travel became difficult for her, she would speak to her siblings and father on the phone daily. Diane was spirited and stubborn but had a big heart. She had an infectious laugh that, in remembering, will continue to bring a smile to all of those who heard it. She would do anything for her siblings (including punching a cop in defense of her little brother). When her niece was hospitalized, she spent much of her free time keeping her company and when her father’s health was failing, she was by his side for days and weeks at a time.  

A lifelong beauty, Diane took pride in always looking her best, sleeping in rollers every night and never leaving the house without full hair and makeup (including eyelashes). She had a deep love of shopping and enjoyed spending time at the mall and adding to her collection of fashionable clothing. She loved home décor and always had a beautifully decorated and comfortable home. 

Diane married Thomas Hollingsworth in 2015 and they eventually moved to Mesquite, Nevada, to escape the cold of northern Utah. Together they built a new life in the warmer weather. Diane loved to go on road trips with Tom, go out for steak dinners or McDonalds, and try her luck at the casino. Through it all, she was never without her favorite beverage, Diet Coke. 

Diane will be greatly missed by the family she left behind including her loving husband, Tom; daughters Natalie Kendall and Jennifer Williamson (Steve Salter); four grandchildren, Morgan (Taylor) Gemperline, Rileyanne (Jim) Adams, Porter Williamson, and McKinley Williamson; four great-grandchildren, Courtney, Will, Stevie, and Wren; step-children Thomas (Cassie) Hollingsworth Jr., Brandy (Terry) Corbin, Shallayya Gibson, and Cory (Cassandra) Hollingsworth; sisters Sherry (Jim) Schnurr and Karen (Jim) Markey; brothers Bruce and Destry Gagon; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Diane loved her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren immensely. Every day she would ask how they were all doing and she cherished and shared with everyone the baby pictures and videos she received. 

Physical and mental illness plagued Diane for much of her life. Knowing this, her family understands she is finally free of pain and suffering and is now embraced by the long line of loved ones who preceded her in passing, including her mother, father, and stepmother, Bobbi Gagon; sister Cathy (Butch) Miller; and three nieces, Charity LaRose, Shantel Westenscow, and MartyLynn Hoang.

Family and friends are invited to attend memorial services at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2:00, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd. A family luncheon will be held following the services at the Adams Park LDS Church, 1015 N. Emerald Dr., Layton. 

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