Diana Lynn Minner, who asked for so little yet gave so much, made the world a better place for 74 years. On December 13, 2023, Diana passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia, her daughter by her side.

Diana, the eldest of four sisters, was born on August 24, 1949, in Yerington, Nevada, to Eloise and Angelo Sacchini Jr. Yerington’s safe, pastoral environment fostered Diana’s love of the outdoors as she grew up playing and riding horses on her family’s nearby ranch. Her father, Angelo, owned the local grocery store, Thrifty Market, where Diana watched her beloved dad treat his community with respect, loyalty, and kindness. These attributes stayed with Diana past her high school graduation from Yerington High School, an AAS in Early Childhood Education from what is now Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada, and throughout her life.

Diana loved her parents dearly, and she often repeated some of their favorite sayings. Diana’s mother, Eloise, often said, “It is what it is,” when referencing an unfortunate topic or one of life’s lemons. Diana repeated this phrase often to remind herself and her loved ones that life is too short to take things for granted, to waste time and energy on negativity, or to be afraid of the future.

Diana also loved her sisters Peggy, Kim, and Kaylene. Some of her favorite regular routines involved talking with them on the phone, making up for the physical distance between them with constant love, listening, and heartfelt discussions. She had a special bond with each of them, and she cherished every moment spent with her sisters and their children.

Diana also adored children of all ages, races, backgrounds, and abilities. She spent her career working with children, and particularly strived to help underprivileged or abused children through her work with Idaho’s Head Start and Help, Inc. programs. Diana’s two children, Jessica and Chad, were fortunate to have a mother whose unconditional love never stopped flowing. She always had a loving, warm hug ready for anyone who needed it – especially her children.

Diana also dearly loved her husband Gene. She and Gene spent many years exploring the world together, taking trips to Europe and Australia, and traveling. They towed their travel trailer all over the country, through Canada to Alaska, visiting loved ones and seeing the outdoors. Diana enjoyed the last years of her life with Gene as they hiked, camped, and bird watched with Gene’s daughter Laura, his son Brian and his wife Carolyn, and friends. Diana also formed a close friendship with Gene’s sister, Jane, and she always found constant joy with her grandchildren Ty, Taya, Madelyn, and Justina – she loved spending time with them and watching them grow.

Diana was a constant example of unconditional love, forgiveness, and kindness. She loved to laugh and had a sense of humor for the good and bad aspects of life, knowing that a little lightheartedness and laughter can often bring us through some of the most difficult times.

Diana is reunited with her traveling partner and beloved husband Gene, along with her precious parents Angelo and Eloise, her uncle Leroy, and all of her grandparents. Diana’s spirit is continued by her daughter Jessica and son Chad; her sisters Kaylene, Kim, and Peggy and their families; her husband Gene’s son Brian, his wife Carolyn, and their two children Ty and Taya; Gene’s daughter Laura and her children Madelyn and Justina.

Diana’s life was a testament to the power of love, hugs, humor, and listening. Her unwavering love, infectious laugh, and constant kindness will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her. Friends and loved ones can visit with Diana’s family at Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls on April 5, 2024, at 2 p.m. during a memorial service in her honor. In lieu of flowers, Diana would have loved donations to any charity organizations that support children or animals.