Obituary

Diane Blakely, peacefully passed away after a long illness. She was born in Los Angeles, California, and lived in many places throughout her life. Diane had an incredible ability to reinvent herself in the workplace, starting as an administrative assistant and moving on to roles as an information technology and project manager. She also achieved success in opening the Discovery Center, running a childcare center, and managing her own insurance agency. No matter the challenge, she excelled at whatever she set her mind to.

In the 1980s, Diane was known as a “Jockette” and was active in a variety of sports, including softball, jogging, tennis, swimming, and skiing. She had a passion for volunteering and helping others. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, playing the piano, and traveling. Diane had hoped to visit her maternal native land of Bosnia and was even learning to speak Serbian.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert W. Blakely; her daughter, Tracy (Fer) van Woerkom; her bonus children, Billy (Gillian) Blakely and Carol Blakely; her sister, Donna (Mike) Stevenson; and her grandchildren, Kelsey, Sissy, Ashlee, Christopher, and Milica. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Gloria Gray and Buddy Shull, and her bonus child, Robert (Annette) Blakely.

Diane will be remembered for her strength, her love for others, and her dedication to living life fully. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.