Diane M. (Shald) Thompson

Diane Marie (Shald) Thompson, second child, first daughter of Charles and Marjorie (Carr) Shald, was born March 21, 1954 in Bassett, Nebraska and passed away on November 15, 2023 at the age of 69.

       Diane had a love for horses and all kinds of birds. She would often go for walks with her binoculars handy just to get a closer look at any birds that she'd find. She was an avid reader; at one point she even had a card from every library between Valentine, Nebraska and O'Neill, Nebraska.

            She attended school in Stuart, Nebraska, graduating from Stuart High School with the class of 1972. After graduating, she kept busy working several jobs. In the spring of 1975, she met David Thompson, and they were married in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 29, 1976. Together they lived in Stuart until they chose to move to Washington with the help of family in 1979.

            They began in Camas, Washington until joining the office of U.S. West in Vancouver, Washington where they soon welcomed their son Christopher David on July 2, 1983 and their daughter, Rachel Diane on October 10, 1985. In 1990, they relocated to Spokane, Washington to work in the new U.S. West office and Ashley Marie completed the family on October 10, 1991.

            In 1995, the family moved to Long Pine, Nebraska where Diane became a stay-at-home mom while dispatching for Dave. Throughout the years, Diane kept busy running the kids to one activity after another, doing library trips, and eventually welcoming the grandkids.

            As a mom, Diane was very proud of her three kids. But her greatest blessing was her grandkids. She loved all the time that she could get with them, teaching them the joys of reading and learning. There was never a "no" said for something educational.

            Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Marjorie; her husband, Dave; brother Duane Shald; sister-in-law Connie (Murphy) Shald; as well as many aunts and uncles.

            Diane is survived by son Chris (Teana) of North Platte, Nebraska; daughters Rachel (and significant other Ryan Buoy) of Long Pine and Ashley (Chris) Johnson of Ainsworth, Nebraska; sisters Donna Shald of O’Neill, Nebraska and Debbie (Steve) Langan of Stuart; grandchildren: Christian, Alivia, Natalee, JoAnna, Kaiden, Kameron, Kalianna, and EvaDean; nieces, nephews, and numerous family and friends.

            Diane was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, grandma, aunt, great friend and inspiration to others. She will be missed by many as her memory lives on.

                A Celebration of Life Event was held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Nazarene Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Reverend Russell Thayer officiating.  CD selections of “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns, “What a Mama Does” by Tyler Chase and “Finally Home” by MercyMe were played.  Serving as Honorary Urn Bearers were Diane’s Grandchildren and Significant Others:  Christian Thompson, Alivia Thompson, Natalee Thompson, JoAnna Thompson, Kaiden Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Kalianna Johnson, Teana Thompson, Chris Johnson, Ryan Buoy and EvaDean Buoy.  Memorials have been suggested to the family in Diane’s name.
 
Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com .