Diane Ellington Bullock

1943 - 2021

Diane Ellington Bullock
October 10, 2021
Resident of San Pablo, CA
Diane Ellington Bullock, 78, cherished wife, sister, mother and grandmother, lost her fight with cancer and was called home on October 10, 2021 to join her beloved husband, Anthony (Tony) Laird Bullock.
Diane Marie Ellington was born in 1943, the third of four children (and only daughter) born to John and Eleanor Ellington in Minneapolis, MN. Diane was raised by her grandparents Elmer and Marie Peterson and they divided their time between the family home in Minneapolis and the family farm along the Apple River in Wisconsin. After Diane lost her adored grandmother to cancer in 1962, she graduated high school from Maplewood Academy and then moved west to California. There she met the love of her life, Tony Bullock, whom she married in 1963. Their first home was located in the El Sobrante Valley and she would smilingly tell the story of how "she came to the valley as a bride" to her children and grandchildren. Diane and Tony welcomed daughter, Tammy Marie, in 1964 and son, Anthony Burlingame, in 1969. She loved her adopted state and proudly called herself a "California Girl."
Diane and Tony spent 24 happy years raising their children in the East Bay hills. After Tony unexpectedly passed away in 1986, Diane rebuilt her life, working as a Captain of Public Security at Rossmoor Retirement Community. A born storyteller, she wrote two books about her experiences and shared her hard-won knowledge with others who had lost their spouses. Diane found happiness again with her friend and companion, Max Eckhardt, until he passed away in 2016. In her later years, she spent many joyful hours with her children and grandchildren, walking the East Bay hills with her faithful canines Susie & Trouble & playing cards and bowling with her many friends.
Diane was gifted with a playful Irish charm, which she shared with everyone throughout her life. Her sparkling wit, charm and empathy ensured many lifelong friends and her legacy of love and laughter will never be forgotten by those she touched.
Diane leaves behind brothers Jon (Carol) Rhodes of Harmony, MN, Robert Rhodes of Henderson, NV; and Robert Goeman of Portland, OR; Children Tammy Bullock-Divine of Krugerville, TX and Anthony (Anna) B Bullock of Richardson, TX; Grandchildren Katherine (Aaron) Harrelson of New Orleans, LA, Corinne Divine, Krugerville, TX, Grace Bullock of Richardson, TX, Abigail Bullock of Richardson, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by husband, Anthony L. Bullock, father-in-law Anson B. Bullock, mothers-in-law Dorothea (Teschan) Bullock and Vivian (Virgne) Bullock, sister-in-law Dorothea (Bullock) Keith, parents John Ellington and Eleanor Funk, and grandparents Elmer and Marie Peterson.
Diane will be buried next to her husband at Mountain View Cemetery in the golden hills of California. Per her request, no service or memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.


View the online memorial for Diane Ellington Bullock