Diane Piane
Diane Lydia Francis Piane, 87, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025, leaving a legacy of kindness, resilience and countless cherished memories for her family and friends.
Born in Plentywood, Mont., on Aug. 27, 1937, to Arnold M. Francis and Lydia Johansen, Diane and her identical twin sister, Donna, grew up in Medicine Lake with their four other siblings. In their youth, the twins often found delight in impersonating each other with their friends, a playful display of their close bond.
Tragically, their mother passed away a few years later, a loss which shaped Diane’s unwavering strength and compassion. Her humble beginnings in a close-knit rural community instilled her values of hard work, determination and a deep appreciation for her family, friends and connection.
At just 17 years old, she married her first husband, Willard, and began building a beautiful family, raising their five children; Cynthia Landsrud, Cheryl Conway, Ken Landsrud, Connie Doornek and Karen Samuels. Most of her time was split between working two or three jobs, taking care of the household and tending to her children. Despite her full schedule, Diane loved to play bingo, cards, make her own clothes, and go out dancing with her friends. She was the light that made every celebration feel special.
Whether she was tirelessly waiting on tables at the Sweet Shoppe or the Elks Club, walking around town with her friend Evonne, cooking for her grandchildren or tending to her flower beds, Diane always kept on the move and giving to others.
It wasn’t until later in her life that Diane met her true love, Joe Piane, whose kindness and companionship brought peace to her busy life. Though their time together was tragically cut short, Diane carried the love they shared in her heart and nurtured the lives around her with warmth and devotion.
