Diane Buckwalter

Diane Johnson Buckwalter
1945 - 2016

Diane Johnson Buckwalter, “Ma Buck”, passed away on April 14, 2016 after a long and valiant battle with cancer, originally diagnosed in 1995.  She was born April 15, 1945, in Fillmore, Utah, to Chester and Stella Johnson, grew up in nearby Holden, and was always proud of her Millard County roots.  In 1963 she headed to the big city of Salt Lake to enroll in Stevens Henager Business College and earned her degree two years later in June of 1965.  Three months later she married James Benjamin Buckwalter in the Salt Lake Temple, and they have made their home in Holladay ever since.  She had a 23 year secretarial career with Morris Travel and later MassMutual.  Diane marveled at the fact that she was able to see the world: Europe, Hong Kong, and the Holy Land.  She had both knees replaced in 2002 but was quickly on the mend and visiting her children in various parts of the U.S.

From Mom we learned that examples of truth and beauty can be gleaned from many sources: ancestors, pioneers, friends, the Scriptures, well-known sayings, folk songs, hymns.  She took great joy in the simple pleasures of life and especially the Christmas season.  She was a woman of diligence, deep love and laughter.  Life with her was easy and safe due to her kindness and open heart.  Diane was an unflinching advocate for her loved ones and friends.  She expected her children to stay on the straight and narrow path, and kept us there with her love and prayers.  With Dad she created a safe haven at home and leaves a legacy of strong family ties among her siblings, children and grandchildren. She will be carried in the hearts and souls of those whose lives she so profoundly touched. She has been an example to all of enduring well the refiner’s fire.

She is survived by her husband Jim and their six children: Tami (Chad) Morris, Ben, Ted (Robyn), Jeff (Tanya), Amy (Josh) Parker, Mark (Ashley), and 22 grandchildren.  Also survived by her siblings Jerri Frehner, Pamiel Reed, Ginger Agee, Ken Johnson, Jeff Johnson, and Penni Sumsion.  Preceded in death by her parents.

We want to extend a special thanks to Drs. Litton and MacPherson and the team from Quality Home Health and Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April  19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 7 ^th Ward, 5565 S. Neighbor Lane (1610 East).  Viewing to be held at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd (7600 South) Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. To 10:45 a.m. at the ward building.

Interment, Holden Town Cemetery.

Funeral Recording