Diane Gail Showalter

Diane Gail Showalter, 81, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2026. Diane was born in Colville, Wash.to Dee and Ina McKern. Diane earned a master’s degree and built a career in education and public service. She worked as a schoolteacher, in administration at Eastern Washington University, and retired as Director of Human Resources for the City of Cheney. Family was at the center of Diane’s life from an early age. After the death of her sister Patricia, Diane helped care for Patricia’s children, Chris, Juanita, and Pam. She later raised her sons, Matthew and Benjamin, in Cheney and became a devoted grandmother who rarely missed an opportunity to shower her grandchildren with gifts. Diane was extraordinarily generous and deeply caring, but nobody would ever have mistaken her kindness for weakness. She was strong-willed, fiercely loyal, and perfectly willing to tell you exactly what she thought. Those who knew her best knew that being loved by Diane could occasionally include being set straight by Diane. Diane loved travel and cooking. After retirement, she and her longtime partner, Curt Huff, spent winters at their home in Arizona, enjoying time with friends and traveling together. She was an exceptional cook, and her fried chicken, potatoes, and gravy were legendary among family and friends. Diane is survived by her longtime partner, Curt; her sons, Matthew (his wife Tracy) and Benjamin; her grandchildren, Josie, Jackson, Brooklyn, Joseph, and Jillian; her brother, Dennis; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dee and Ina McKern, and her siblings, Patricia, Tom, and Dan. Diane will be remembered for her generosity, strength, loyalty, and love of family. More than a few people will spend years trying unsuccessfully to make fried chicken and gravy quite the way she did.