On April 20, 2023, we unexpectedly lost our brightest and warmest light, Diane Adele Boyd.  Born April 2, 1946, to Frank and Cordelia Bryson in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, Diane called Darrington her home and family for most of her life.

Diane graduated from Darrington High School in 1964 and attended Multnomah University for two years before her husband of 57 years, Robert (Bob) Boyd, convinced her to marry him and make a home filled with love, friendship and the smell of fresh baked pies.  Together Diane and Bob raised three children, Ryan (Laresa), Jennifer (Jon Chambers) and Lindsay (Rich Morris).  To her six grandchildren, Cassidy Boyd, Haley Chambers, Natalie Boyd, Avery Chambers, Caden Morris and Olivia Morris, she was known as Oma.

It's impossible to describe the impact Diane had on her family and community.  She brought so much creativity and energy to everything she touched.  To us she was Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart was a celebrity; she was a community builder before community builders were a thing.  She did all these things gracefully, most of the time in the background.  She never found a challenge she wasn't willing to take on.  She never saw an opportunity she could pass up (e.g. a balloon business, an embroidery business, yardwork business, cleaning business, etc.)  Once she identified an opportunity, she created a business and employed every able-bodied youth in Darrington.  We are so thankful for her mentorship and the opportunities she gave to so many.  And as Bob likes to say, "she did more by accident than most people do on purpose."

Her proudest accomplishment was serving on the board of the Darrington Community Center for over 30 years.  She worked tirelessly, and spearheaded multiple renovations, to ensure the Community Center would be a place for the families in Darrington to enjoy for generations.  Diane was also passionate about helping others and worked closely with her family and friends to create the River Resource Trust to help landowners protect their land on the river.

Diane retired from the Darrington School District, where she worked in the library for 20 years.  Her students and co-workers could count on her for a warm shoulder, listening ear and a friendly smile.  She was involved in the Darrington Garden Club, the Darrington Hall of Fame, and various other local initiatives.  She did all these things while supporting Bob in everything he did, including his many hobbies.  She was his number one ally, farmhand, hay bailer, sprinkler changer, Model-A driver and partner.  Together they were a force.  To her kids, she was the sprinkles on top, she was our sparkle/shining light and taught us to always put family first, be kind and work hard.  To her grandkids, she made every family and holiday gathering fun with games, gifts, crafts and silly props.  She was the strong and steady presence, the ultimate family reunion organizer, and always the go-to-cousin.  To her friends, she showed up with a smile, a helping hand and loved them all dearly.

She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, beloved father Frank (Frankie), aunts, Eloise Kell, Laura Ann Ware and Mary (Jim Hordyk), an incredible group of brothers and sisters by marriage and a large and loved extended family.

Diane was predeceased by her infant son; her mother, Cordelia; her brother, Dan and many other dear friends and family.  Right now, she is having a joyous reunion.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 6, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Darrington Community Center. All are welcome!

Please share your memories of Diane and sign the online guest register.