DIANE WALTERS

Diane (McCain) Walters, 58, died unexpectedly on Nov. 10 at home in Yuma, Ariz., with her husband Boyd, by her side. Diane was born March 11, 1951 in Holton, Kansas, the only child of Delores and Thomas Heim. In her early years in Kansas, her hobbies were all centered around the Clark farm, she loved spending time with horses. In 1961, she moved to Alaska with her mother, living in Anchorage until 1976, Wasilla until 1990, and Willow until 2002. She graduated from West High School in 1969 and attended Anchorage Community College and Emporia State University in Kansas. Diane married Edward McCain in 1971. She was active in the Wasilla Amateur Hockey League as a “hockey mom” from 1980 until 1988, For-Get-Me-Not Homemakers Club since 1983, the Mat-Su 4-H and Jr. Market Livestock Program at the Alaska State Fair from 1985 until 1993. She worked for the Alaska Farm Service Agency on the loan committee and as a census worker. Her hobbies included horseback riding, raising Angus cattle, gardening and traveling. Diane had a great love for animals. She moved to Yuma in 2002 and married Boyd Walters. She was an active volunteer at the Saddles of Joy Therapeutic Riding Program in Yuma.

She is survived by her husband, Boyd; son Thomas McCain and daughter Jennifer Luce (Kevin) of Wasilla; mother Delores Heim of Anchorage; nieces and nephews in Alaska; and relatives and friends in many states. She was preceded in death by her father.

A memorial service will be at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Willow on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., potluck reception following. A rosary at Piper Funeral Home and funeral at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a graveside service followed at the Mt. Cavalry Cemetery were held in St. Marys, Kansas on Nov. 21. Memorial services pending in Yuma.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alaska Humane Society for Spay & Neuter Clinic.

Arrangements were made by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla; Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, Kansas and Johnson Mortuary in Yuma.