Diane Gail Showalter

Diane Gail Showalter, 81, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026.

Born in Colville, Washington, to Dee and Ina McKern, Diane earned a master's degree and

built a career in education and public service. She worked as a schoolteacher, in

administration at Eastern Washington University, and retired as Director of Human

Resources for the City of Cheney.

Family was at the center of Diane's life from an early age. After the death of her sister

Patricia, Diane helped care for Patricia's children, Chris, Juanita, and Pam. She later raised

her sons, Matthew and Benjamin, in Cheney and became a devoted grandmother who

rarely missed an opportunity to shower her grandchildren with gifts.

Diane was extraordinarily generous and deeply caring, but nobody would ever have

mistaken her kindness for weakness. She was strong-willed, fiercely loyal, and perfectly

willing to tell you exactly what she thought. Those who knew her best knew that being loved

by Diane could occasionally include being set straight by Diane.

Diane loved travel and cooking. After retirement, she and her longtime partner, Curt Huff,

spent winters at their home in Arizona, enjoying time with friends and traveling together.

She was an exceptional cook, and her fried chicken, potatoes, and gravy were legendary

among family and friends.

Diane is survived by her longtime partner, Curt; her sons, Matthew and Benjamin; her

grandchildren, Josie, Jackson, Brooklyn, Joseph, and Jillian; her brother, Dennis; and many

beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in

death by her parents, Dee and Ina McKern, and her siblings, Patricia and Tom.

Diane will be remembered for her generosity, strength, loyalty, and love of family. More

than a few people will spend years trying unsuccessfully to make fried chicken and gravy

quite the way she did.

A service will be held at the Quillisascut Grange #372 in Rice, WA on September 26th at

1pm