On Sunday, April 8th, while surrounded by the children and grandchildren she adored, Diane Lorrayne Merrifield passed quietly, joining her husband and true love, Steve, her son, Michael, and her granddaughter, Cassie-Jo in Heaven. Diane was born in Vancouver, WA on December 10th, 1954 to Larry and Jean Powell. In her teens, she walked into Cascade Lanes where she met the night manager, Steve Merrifield. They later married, relocated to Albany, OR and started a family. Steve and Diane had three children: Eddie, Mike and Tonya-Jo. They were also proud to adopt Jeff and welcome him into the family, raising him as their own. Throughout the 80’s, Diane worked the front desk of Albany Bowling Center and coached junior bowling leagues. She bowled regularly, and also played slow-pitch, co-ed softball. In 1988, Steve and Diane purchased Silver Creek Lanes, and the family moved to Silverton, OR. In addition to her children, her customers became her extended family. Holidays were multi-family gatherings at the bowling alley, welcoming one and all. In the mid-90’s, Diane took the name that she most enjoyed, “Nana”. That’s the name that her grandchildren called her. Nana & Papa’s was a place for the grandkids to come together to play and have fun with their cousins. In all, Diane had 10 grandkids. After selling Silver Creek Lanes and “retiring”, they moved to Charleston, OR. It was then that Diane found her true calling as a care-giver. From that time until her passing, she provided loving care to her Mother-In-Law Darlene, Sister-in-Law Jackie, husband Steve and later her grandson Owen-Michael. Diane was selfless and giving, always trying to make those around her happy. She raised her children and grandchildren on these two simple principles: “choose to be happy” and “live by the Golden Rule”, and she set a great example for both. Diane is survived by her children: Eddie Merrifield, Tonya-Jo Robinson and Jeff Merrifield and grandchildren: Devan, Calvin, Boston, Noah, Cooper, Lantz, Kaylie-Jo, Owen-Michael and Evan-Wyatt. She is also survived by the many lives she touched along the way, who she looked upon as family. She was preceded in death by her husband Steve, son Michael and grand-daughter Cassie-Jo. There will be a Celebration of Life on April 29th, at 10:30am at Silver Creek Lanes in Silverton, Oregon. For additional details, contact celebrationofnana@gmail.com. Diane was notorious for avoiding having her picture taken, so the family welcomes any and all photo submissions that anyone has! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a small donation to the American Cancer Society or to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Diane’s memory. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Diane Merrifield, please visit our Tribute Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Diane Lorrayne Merrifield 2018. Fisher Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Albany, state: OR