Diana Kay (Stoneback) Fraley

Diana Kay (Stoneback) Fraley, died April 25, 2013.

She was born in Kalispell, Mont., to Wilma and Stanley Stoneback on Oct. 1, 1951. She was the youngest of four, as well as the prettiest. As a teenager, she loved her horse, Coco, the music of Joan Baez and her boyfriend, Richard.

After high school, Diana and Richard Fraley married. Richard joined the USCG and together they travelled the country, living in Virginia, Florida, Washington and California. Along their journey they had their son, Brian.

In 1980, their path led to Kodiak, where they lived for 12 years. Diana was a bank manager by day and an avid ceramicist and stained glass artist at night. On weekends, the family often fished, boated and explored the island. Summers she loved traveling around Alaska and visiting family in Montana.

Diana and Richard moved to Palmer in 1992 where she continued banking, received her degree from Mat-Su College and discovered her biggest passions yet: Belgian shepherds and quilting. They raised several Belgians over the years and won many dog show awards. Her dogs were her world, and her broken heart never recovered from the untimely passing of her cherished companion Frazier.

Quilting took over her days after retirement. She became treasurer for Valley Quilters’ Guild, organized many quilting events and loved making Service Quilts for soldiers’ families. Through quilting, she found a voice for her soul, an outlet for her pains and an exchange of love and compassion with her beloved sewing family.

Above all, Diana had expressed how blessed she was to have married her best friend. For more than 40 years they were, and will be, inseparable. She will be missed infinitely more than these 300 words could ever convey. Her son, husband, sister, brother and her many cherished friends in the Valley will love and miss her always.

Friends and family may drop by the Palmer Depot from 6:30 to 10 p.m., May 23, for a potluck and celebration of Diana’s life. For more information, contact Brian at b@brianfraley.com.