Diane Mehrten was born on June 17, 1938, in Fresno, CA to her Danish parents Elmer and Agnes Nielsen, and lived her entire life in the Easton area community.  She attended Oleander Elementary School and Washington Union High School.  During their senior year of high school, she met the love of her life, Darel Mehrten.  She attended Fresno State College and earned her bachelor's degree and teaching credential.  She taught 4th grade at Ewing Elementary for 3 years.

When Darel returned from serving in the Navy they were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was a member her entire life and joyfully served in many teaching, leadership, and hospitality roles. They built their family home together in the Easton area and have lived there for over 50 years. When their daughters were in middle school she returned to her love of teaching and taught 1st grade at American Union Elementary for 14 years where she so beautifully inspired a love of learning in her students and had a way of making each child feel special. Diane's love for teaching extended outside of her classroom being compensated only by the gratitude of those she was reaching. She opened her classroom in the evenings to teach English to the parents of her 1st-grade students. She educated herself on local Indian history and took an extensive collection of baskets and relics to speak at summer school migrant programs throughout the valley.

While their daughters were attending Washington Union, she and Darel were honored to be Mom and Pops to many of the students. To this day they are still close to many of their "kids adopted by love.'" Perhaps the role she enjoyed most was that of Grandma and Mannie to their 4 grandchildren. She and Darel were their biggest and most faithful fans attending local and out-of-town sporting events, horse shows, and concerts.  Over their 61 years of marriage, their home was filled with countless happy gatherings, backyard parties, celebrations, and delicious meals with family and friends.  Diane's vibrant personality had an impact on everyone she encountered.  One of her favorite quotes was, "There are no strangers here, only friends I haven't met."

She had a joy and a love for people that was evident to all. Everything about Diane's life epitomized being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and trusting him with every aspect of her life. Those she encountered could feel how very much she loved Jesus and wanted others to know him as their personal Lord and Savior. No one could ask for a more faithful prayer warrior.

She is survived by her husband Darel, daughters Kristi Carlton (Tim Shields) and Lynette Hecker (Doug Hecker), four grandchildren, and countless friends and family. Our heartfelt thanks go to her caregiver Yesina and all of the members of the Hinds Hospice team who walked alongside us and took such loving care of Mom these past 7 months.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

A Memorial Service to remember the joy-filled person she was will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Easton on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at 11:00 am with a lunch to follow.

As Diane loved spring and flowers, please feel free to wear bright colors or purple for Alzheimer's/Dementia awareness.  Any remembrances in her honor may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hinds Hospice of Fresno.