Diane Marie Kogin, age 83, a longtime resident of Hoquiam, died on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Capital Medical Center in Olympia following a brief illness. Mrs Kogin was born on January 17, 1936, at Hoquiam General Hospital to Frank and Esther (Esselstrom) Yaste.

She was raised and attended schools in Hoquiam, later attending Grays Harbor College and Central Washington University.

Diane met her future husband, Fred, a sailor stationed at Pacific Beach, at a Fats Domino concert at the Harborena. They were married on Dec. 12, 1959, and lived in Hoquiam until Fred’s death in 2014.

She would begin her professional career in 1962, teaching kindergarten with the Hoquiam School District. She adored little people and teaching kindergarten was a career that spanned nearly five decades. Towards her retirement years, she was happy to be teaching grandchildren of her former students.

Following Fred’s death in 2014, Diane moved to Olympia to be closer to her family. She settled in the vibrant community at Affinity in West Olympia, where she was much loved and supported by an amazing community of friends. She attended church at Westwood Baptist Church in Olympia.

Surviving relatives include a son, Kevin P. Kogin of Seattle; two daughters, Darcy D. Kogin of Tacoma and Karin M. Goheen and her husband, Jeff, of Tumwater; two nieces, Julie Tillman of Aberdeen and Linda Cummings of Hoquiam; one nephew, Les Jasper of Aberdeen and a much beloved grandchild, Steinar Goheen of Tumwater. A sister, Shirley Jasper, preceded her in death.

There will be private urn committal at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. At her request, there will be no further service.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Little Red Schoolhouse Project, PO Box 6302, Olympia, WA 98507.www.redschool.org.

Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 5th Street in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line guest register at www.colemanmortuary.net.