LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Diane Elizabeth Smith was born July 22, 1945, in San Diego, Calif., to William and Henrietta Rinder.

She lived a full life with her husband of 53 years, Frederick Henry Smith, up until her passing at home on Monday, June 25, 2018.

Diane left our earthly world fearlessly with Fred and her children by her side. She was ill for a very short time with cancer. She is now with God beside her daughter, Shalean, her parents, and the several loving family members and friends she lost in her lifetime.

Diane is survived by her husband, Frederick; her children and their spouses, Edward and Deana Smith, Brandon and Sheajuli Smith, Jason and Jane Smith, Danielle and Paul Barclay, Iseth Rae, and Travis and Christine Lipscomb; her grandchildren, Jeremy, Patsy, Michael, Matthew, Dylan, Jared, Chelsea, Sawyer, Trinity, Josh, Kassie, Dakota, Jillianne, Genevieve, Ulrik, Antonella, Octavian, Skylar, Wills, Jasey, Joshua, Thatcher, Solamay, Isaac and Klein; her siblings, William, Jim, Margaret and Donna; her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love and friendship and she will be missed dearly.

Diane grew up on 41st Street in San Diego, many of her stories began here. She graduated from Rosary High School in 1963 and shortly after met a sailor, Fred Smith, and married him on Nov. 7, 1964.

She had one plan in life at that time and it was to have a big family which she began in October 1965.

Diane and Fred called San Diego home until moving to Witter Springs in 1978 with their five children to run the Witter Springs store and post office and later the Bachelor Valley volunteer fire department.

Diane spent the next 40 years involving herself in her community in positive and memorable ways. She was known by many as Aunt Diane, whether you were family or not.

The Smith family expresses deep gratitude to family and friends near and far for sharing stories, laughter and tears on June 30 in celebration of Diane’s life.

Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453 was very supportive and the family asks that any donations be made there in Diane’s name.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.