Diana McDougal

Diana W. McDougal, born October 1, 1945, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord surrounded by loved ones on April 25, 2025, at Seven Lakes Memory Care in Loveland, Colorado, after a long journey with dementia.

Born at Fort Francis E. Warren in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Diana was the beloved daughter of Carl and Marcia Wake. Her early years were spent in Sheridan before the family returned to Cheyenne, where she would reside for the next 59 years. After graduating from Cheyenne Central High School, Diana pursued her passion for art and education at the University of Wyoming, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honor. She later continued her academic journey with a Master's Degree in Education from Leslie College and a Diploma of Communication Technology from the Colorado Art Institute.

A passionate advocate for arts education beyond the classroom, Diana was a devoted member of the National Art Education Association and co-founded the current Wyoming Art Education Association, where she served in multiple leadership roles. Her influence extended into civic life as well; she was a dedicated member of the Cheyenne Women's Civic League for over 50 years, an active participant in P.E.O. Chapter AQ, and a proud alumna of Pi Beta Phi Alpha Chapter at the University of Wyoming.

Diana's love for life was evident in all she did. She found joy in gardening, traveling, teaching and attending art workshops, and caring for her golden retrievers. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with family and friends and shared her faith openly with those around her. In retirement, she embraced a life split between winters at Lake Las Vegas and summers back in Sheridan.

Diana is survived by her daughters Jennifer Austin of Cheyenne and Jessica (John) Harrison of Sheridan; grandchildren Madison (Zach) Horam and Benjamin Harrison; great-granddaughter Winter Horam; sisters Linda Kelley of Cheyenne and Jill Robinson of Sheridan; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Marcia Wake; brother Jeffrey Wake; niece Dawn Kelley; and former husbands John Hawley, Jim Fleenor, and Robert McDougal.

A service celebrating Diana's life will be held on Saturday, May 17th at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 252 Del Range Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Cremation has taken place at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland. Interment will occur at a later date at the Wake Family plot in the Masonic Circle of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

In honor of Diana's memory and lifelong dedication to others, memorial contributions may be made to:

Dementia Friendly Wyoming, 211 Smith Street, Sheridan, WY 82801

Wyoming Art Education Association, 5239 Fishing Bridge, Cheyenne, WY, United States, 82009