Obituary: Diane Kathleen Williams

Diane Williams passed away on Oct. 25, 2013, at her home in Wilhoit, Ariz., with her family by her side, after a long, difficult battle with cancer. Diane lived most of her life in Prescott, Ariz., and graduated from Prescott High School in 1959, where she met her husband, Arden. She started a family-owned aerospace manufacturing business more than 40 years ago. She and Arden also ran a construction business, raised four children (and helped several wayward kids along the way), and ran a small family farm in Skull Valley for several years.

Diane's family was precious to her. She was a selfless, determined, hard-working, lovely woman who believed in and practiced old-fashioned values - sticking together through thick and thin, sharing recipes (a handful of love and a pinch of strength), camping trips, picnics, birthdays and holidays together. She often said, "If you try hard enough, you can fix anything."

Diane loved flowers, especially pink roses. She could effortlessly prepare enormous amounts of delicious food, and was a master at canning and preserving. She loved all animals and enjoyed reading, gardening and sewing. Diane excelled at sports - especially golf, softball and volleyball. She was also a mean poker player. In her younger years, she loved barrel racing and was an avid hunter. She shot her first deer when she was 12, earning her the nickname "Killer." For her kids, she was a coach, scout leader, school volunteer - truly the mom every kid wanted.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Arden; sons Glen (Becky) and Michael (Sindi); daughter Crystal Walker (Ken); beloved grandchildren Tessa, Cody, Austin, Kelsey and Aurial. She is also survived by her sister and brothers, Susan, Robert, William and Michael Fortner; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her son, Travis, and her parents, Robert Fortner Sr. and Gladys Dustin.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at Oddfellows Cemetery in Prescott, Ariz.

Information provided by survivors.