One of the finest people in our world died on Sept. 2, 2017, after a long, very courageous battle with breast cancer. Her example was an inspiration to many. She rarely complained, and always had the will to do whatever needed to be done. She will be missed immensely.

Dianne was born in Seattle at Swedish Hospital on Father’s Day 1938 to Virgil and Matie Crosby. She attended school in Kent, Hoquiam, and Ephrata, Wash., and graduated from Washington State College in 1960. She was an avid Cougar fan yet she married the love of her life, Richard, a Husky, shortly after graduation.

Dianne was a natural born leader. Whether in high school, college, or in her adult life, once she joined a group, she soon became its leader. At Washington State College she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, served as the Panhellenic President, was a member of Rally Squad, and was honored as a member of the Mothers’ Day Court. After college, Dianne and Rich raised their family in Kent where she was an officer in the PTA, the Kent Orthopedic Guild, and the Kent Swim and Tennis Club.

Dianne was a life long learner and was very well read. She changed professions as she saw fit. After her children finished college, she became an elementary school librarian and teacher in the Renton School District, retiring at the age of 75.

Dianne loved to travel and try new things: She enjoyed traveling to Europe with each of her children; she rode in a hot air balloon; and she zip lined in her late sixties. And she loved family celebrations. Having her entire family celebrate a week long 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii and being able to attend her oldest grandson’s wedding with the entire family in South Carolina were highlights.

Dianne was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Matie Crosby and her son, Mark Richard Mattler. She loved her husband of 57 years, Richard, her two daughters Beth Picardo (Paul) and Amy Burr (Tom) and seven wonderful, beautiful, and intelligent grandchildren: Tyler (Caitlin), Jessica, Christopher, Kiersten, Mitchell, Weston, and Kaytlin. She was very proud of them all.

A celebration of Dianne’s life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Maplewood Golf Course in Renton, Wash. From 1 – 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers we request donations in her memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Seattle Children’s Hospital, or the Mark R. Mattler Scholarship at the University of Puget Sound.