Diane Kathleen (Bixby) Giles
Diane Giles Obituary
Diane Kathleen Giles, 65, of Prineville passed away on Wednesday February 21, 2018 at her home. There will be a service on Saturday March 17, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Prineville Christian Church (1685 SE Lynn Blvd.). Pastor Dan Parks will be officiating. There will be a reception immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Diane was born on June 21, 1952 to Dennis and Marilyn (Graf) Bixby in Richland, Washington. She graduated valedictorian from Newberg High School in 1970 and then received a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from University of Oregon in 1974. She spent her career as a nurse working for St. Vincent Hospital – Portland, Newberg Community Hospital, Pioneer Memorial Hospital/St. Charles Hospital, as well as, Managed Newberg Physical Therapy with her husband Roger. In addition to her work in the health industry Diane was part owner of Cirrus Aviation in McMinnville, Oregon for a number of years, leading her to earn her pilot’s license at the age of 50. She partook in a wide variety of hobbies, including reading, cross stitch and baking with her children and grandchildren.
Diane was passionate about missions and took every opportunity to travel, serving in Haiti and Kenya, as well as supporting SMART Reading, Oregon Camp Cherith, Rotary International and her local church. A strong woman, who lived her faith daily, Diane was voraciously curious, disciplined, and competent in everything she endeavored to do, and deeply committed to loving her family. Every gift and talent she was given or developed, she used for the benefit of those around her. Even as she faced the presence of a brain tumor in her final months, she did so with the same courage and purpose she had lived her entire life; treating every moment as precious, living and loving without regret.
Diane was preceded in death by her father Dennis Bixby.
She is survived by her co-pilot and husband of 40 years Roger Giles, her two daughters; Paula (Julio) Martinez and Megan (Kenny) Rutledge, her mother Marilyn Bixby, her sister; Joanne Gulley and Carol Bixby-McDonald, her step-daughters; Keri Doty and Becky (Clint) Gash, her many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her legacy of service and love will live in those she left behind.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Wendy’s Wish through Whispering Pines Funeral Home – 3168 NE 3rd Street – Prineville, Oregon 97754 (541)416-9733. To leave the family your condolences please go to www.whisperingpinesfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
