Diana Lynn Michaels of Turlock has passed away at the age of 70. She was raised by her parents Joyce Mae Huff and James “Dee” Huff in Delhi and lived most of her amazing life in the California Central Valley.
Diana was married for 47 years to her soulmate, David Ray Michaels. She is survived by two children, Phaedra Rhodes (Joseph Rhodes) and Raymond Michaels (Merissa Michaels). She has six grandchildren: Michael Hayes, Lillie Rhodes, Liana Rhodes, Alexis Peltier, Chloe Peltier, and Hailey Michaels. She is also survived by her sisters Gloria Van Guilder and Kathy Gularte (Rick Gularte). Diana was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers James Huff and Dale Huff, and her brother-in-law Michael Van Guilder.
Diana graduated from Stanislaus State University in 1983 and worked as a Registered Nurse for 15 years. Prior to that she had worked as a CNA and an LVN. At the time of her retirement she was the charge nurse in the ICU at Emanuel Medical Center. Diana was very proud of her career as a nurse, where her intelligence, compassion and empathy shined. Her impact on our community is incredible. She could rarely go in public without someone stopping her to thank her for what she had done for their family in a time of need, even after many years of retirement.
Diana loved her family and friends, rock n’roll music, adventuring, collecting odd bits and baubles, gardening, and her beloved pets. She never knew an enemy, but was a friend to all. Her fortitude in the face of adversity is legendary. In the last decades of her life, she faced many terrible losses as she became a multiple amputee, suffering surgery after surgery. It never stopped her from seeing the bright side of life, being optimistic for the future, or kept her from making wonderful memories with her loved ones. Her bright positive attitude no matter what challenge she faced was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Our beautiful, bubbly, courageous warrior princess Diana is whole again.
Private services will be held.
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