Diane Ruth Morris Holbrook

Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Diane was born on September 8,1943 in Chewelah, Washington to James Carl and Margaret Priscilla Christian Morris.

Diane spent her childhood growing up on the family farm in the beautiful mountains surrounding Priest Lake, Idaho, near the Canadian border, with her parents and older sister, Dixie. She would spend countless hours riding the horses through the pine covered mountains, with her favorite dog in tow, she considered them her best friends. During her early teen years her family started a business of guided trail rides with their horses, Diane had a great time with their customers.

She attended a one room schoolhouse until moving back to Chewelah, Washington to attend Jenkins High School. She was then involved with the Melody Riders Riding Club (horses) and earned the title of Queen one year. She graduated in 1961.

After graduating she moved to Spokane where she met her future husband, J. Val Holbrook, when he was on TDY at Fairchild Air Force Base. They were married on January 12, 1962, in Elko, Nevada then she moved with him to Layton, Utah where he worked at Hill Air Force Base. Three years later they moved to Syracuse, Utah where she lived until 1990.

They lived on a small farm in Syracuse where she could have her horses, and many other animals, she loved all animals, and this love she passed down to her children and grandchildren. From the large garden she would preserve (can) vegetables, and fruit from the fruit trees for food storage each summer. She was a great cook and enjoyed having family dinners and birthday parties, where she made sure all had a good time, and the birthday boy or girl always felt special. She was an incredible seamstress, making her children’s school clothes and her husband’s suits.

There wasn’t a pattern she couldn’t sew or develop to make an outfit or dress for the exact special occasion. This was the same for crafts, anything to do with the home…even upholstery. She loved flowers, especially wildflowers, and gardening.

Having grown up in the mountains of northern Idaho she loved every activity that could be done in the great outdoors. So, their family went on camping, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, hunting and hiking trips.

She was converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1969 and served in many callings for the rest of her life. Her favorite was the Young Women’s Program in the Syracuse 3rd Ward. She was Secretary for many years and Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director. She loved the girls and the women she had the privilege to work side by side with. She was also a Primary Teacher, Cub Scout Leader and a Visiting Teacher. On April 16,1976 her family was sealed in the Ogden Temple. She loved attending the temple and doing Family History research. In 1989 she was divorced, later moving to West Point, Ut then attending Davis

Applied Technical School graduating with a two-year certificate in electronics, after which she worked for Varian Medical Systems in Salt Lake City.

Diane had the privilege of being the primary care giver for two of her grandchildren, KD and Trevin for many years. After KD graduated from high school and was married, in 2018 she was able to fulfill her dream of moving back to Chewelah, Washington. She and her beloved older sister became roommates having enjoyable times being together, reminiscing, and spending time with family.

Diane loved having family around her, and happily welcomed each new grandchild, and enjoyed watching them grow and playing games with them. She especially loved the holidays with the littles sharing in their happiness and wonder.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Darlene (Kenneth) Larsen, Draper, Utah son, Joseph Shane Holbrook, Ogden, Utah, sister, Dixie Oman, Chewelah, Washington, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, 13 step great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, and half-brother, Jack Morris.

A great big thank you goes out to our incredible family in Washington for the love and care you gave to your Aunt Diane while she was living there these last 6 years, it was appreciated more than you will ever know. We would also like to express a special thank you to the entire staff of The Family Tree Assisted Living in West Point, Ut and A+ Home and Hospice Nursing staff for the tenderness and care they showed to Diane these last couple months of her life. You ALL were angels sent from heaven for us.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring, her favorite time of year, in Chewelah, Washington, when the buttercup flowers are blooming. 

In Diane’s honor donations can be made to The Humane Society of Utah or Washington.

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