Diane Sjogren

Diane L. Sjogren, 66, passed from this life into the arms of a loving Savior at 2:30 p.m. on December 5, 2013 at her home in Yakima. Born on December 14, 1946 to Herbert L. Stormont and Allie "Jo" Gaultney Stormont in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Diane lived most of her young life in Toluca Lake, California. Diane's older brother, Doug, and she attended Hollywood High School where they were very involved in activities in the Hollywood metropolitan area. Because her mother, Jo, worked in the music business in Los Angeles and her father was a well-known photographer, Diane had opportunities to attend show business events around town. She always loved the movies, especially ones that were filmed in Los Angeles where she had made so many good memories. The Stormont family was actively involved in the large Methodist Church in downtown Hollywood where Jo, an exceptional soloist, performed with the choir. Diane, herself, had great memories of singing in the Children's Choir on Easter morning during Sunrise Services at the famous Hollywood Bowl, which was not far from their church. After graduation from Hollywood High, Diane eventually accepted the invitation of a friend to live in Ellensburg, Washington and work as a secretary in the Education Department at Central Washington University. After deciding to go back to school herself, Diane earned a BA in Elementary Education from Central and was hired by the Yakima School District as a teacher. While at Central, Diane met Susie Barker, a wonderful person who has shared many crazy adventures with her and remained her life-long friend throughout all of the good time and trials of her life. In Yakima, Diane married Rick Sjogren. Their union gave them two boys, Ryan and Jeff, who have been the true loves of her life. After her divorce from Rick, Diane continued teaching at McKinley Elementary School and devoted her time to raising her boys and serving the children of the Yakima School District. Over the years, Diane grew to love and admire many of the teachers and administrators at McKinley and established close friendships with them. Many times, Diane has also met her former students who always stop and thank her for the lasting influence she has had on their lives. When Ryan, and for a short time, Jeff, joined the Melody Lane Singers, Diane was welcomed into a whole new group of parents and children who were part of the Melody Lane family. Throughout the late 1980's and early 90's, Diane supported Ryan fully, working behind the scenes, attending performances, and going on tours all over the country. Many dear friendships were developed during these exciting years including a life-long friendship with Peggy Akin and the entire Akin family. Diane was always there for Jeff, too, encouraging him and supporting him in his interests. Her devotion as a loving mother was apparent to all who knew her. Diane also got involved as a volunteer with the Warehouse Theatre Company where she assisted with auditions, helped backstage, and often took tickets at the door. Diane has rarely missed a WTC show, high school musical or an Akin Center Theatre production during the past twenty-five years. Her eloquent, enthusiastic letters supporting the theater arts in Yakima were often published in the newspaper. Tragedy struck Diane's life in December of 1991 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Bravely, she underwent a bone marrow transplant in March of 1992 when Jeff and Ryan were only 11 and 13 years old. Diane's friends worked together to care for the boys as Diane valiantly fought for her life in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Facility in Seattle. The Lord blessed Diane to recover fully from this ordeal and live to become a twenty year cancer survivor! Always possessing a deep faith in God, Diane was a long-time member of The First Presbyterian Church in Yakima. She enthusiastically enjoyed participating in weekly scripture study group and volunteering in a variety of ways. She anxiously served members of her beloved church in any way she could. The past ten years have been very difficult for Diane because her health began to fail. It has seemed like everything that could possibly go wrong with her body did. Many of her friends thought that she must have had nine lives as she would be brought to the brink of death by yet another health crisis only to bounce back with her characteristic optimism and faith. When she was able, she loved to take trips with Jeff, Mali and her grandchildren to Disneyland (one of her favorite places) where she would ride the most thrilling rides with childlike enthusiasm! "Let go and let God" was her motto and she lived it fully every day of her life! This past year has proven to be a highly difficult year for Diane as she struggled with kidney and liver failure. Her sheer will to live and the grace of God kept her alive long enough to enjoy more time to be with her beloved children and grandchildren. Diane still enjoyed going to lunches with friends, attending plays and participating where she could even in the midst of great illness. All who loved her will miss her kind, loving listening ear, her wonderful sense of humor and her endless optimism and zest for life! Her faith filled motto, "Let go and let God" will always continue to inspire her friends and family to live a full life and appreciate every moment we have together. Diane is survived by her sons, Ryan Sjogren and Jeff Sjogren (Malini Marshall), all of Yakima, and her three grandchildren Sara Stoothoff, Scarlette Sjogren and Ryder Sjogren. She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert L. and Allie "Jo" Stormont and her brother Doug Stormont. Her family will ever be grateful for the loving care she received at the Crescent Place Retirement Apartments, and from her medical specialists, Dr. Nicola Bocek, Dr. Hamilton Licht, and Dr. Thomas Boyd. For those wishing to, memorials made be made in Diane's name to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle or The American Cancer Society. A celebration of the valiant life of Diane Sjogren will be held at a later date to be announced. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Diane Sjogren, please visit our flower store.