Diane M. Burnett

Born on June 18, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Diane Marie Kaski Burnett, was the beloved daughter of Elton Milton Kaski, a US Army mechanic veteran, and Marjorie Ingalls, a Prudential Insurance secretary.

 

Diane's early years were spent in Minnesota until her family moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1955. When she was 11, her estranged father died in California. She was raised by her mother and Aunt, Jean Billiter, learning to be self-sufficient at an early age. She was a dedicated student, attending various schools, including Buckman Elementary (grades 1-5), Portland Christian School (grade 6), Kellogg Middle School (7-8), and Franklin High School, before pursuing further education at Western Business College (certification in medical billing) and Multnomah School of the Bible.

 

On May 22nd, 1976, she married fellow Multnomah “Ambassador” Andrew Burnett, with whom she shared a wonderful partnership for 48 years. Diane was a devoted mother to her five children: Jennifer Elaine, Daniel Austin, Laura Kathleen, Steven Michael, and her youngest (but tallest), Mark Nathaniel. She cherished every moment spent with her family and celebrated the joys of motherhood: making 5 lunches each day; helping with science and art projects; attending soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, choir, drama, and musical performances. She could be found in a big blue Chevy station wagon or Dodge caravan soccer mom van - seemingly going in 5 directions at a time - all while still managing the books for a painting and roofing company, a printing company, and a real estate business, getting dinner on the table, and doing an unending pile of laundry. 

 

Diane loved to travel, spending a memorable summer in Italy in 1972. She also embraced life’s opportunities, including a year-long move to serve Arctic Missions in Alaska in 1978-79. She was a skilled camper, and supported Andrew and kids in several church water sports camps. Diane famously planned and executed a family country-wide roadtrip in the summer of 1995,visiting 38 states in 6 weeks, which is still talked about to this day. In recent years she planned special “Grandma and me” Walt Disney World trips for her grandchildren when they turned 9 years old. She was looking forward to taking Celeste in April of 2025 and getting her “Cancer Free” button.

Diane was always up for a project. She was known for her skill in painting, wallpaper removal, and delicate trim. She was an expert organizer of shelves and storage, and welded a label maker with great authority. 

She was a quiet, but tireless worker for children's Christian education and ministry. She single-handedly organized the Children's Resource library at Hinson, as well as the nursery at Rivercrest Community Church, ensuring teachers and helpers had craft supplies, curriculum papers, glitter, and glue to make a child’s experience at church memorable. Diane taught Bible School every Friday for her grandchildren, singing Disney songs and making skits. She wanted children to remember the message of Christ.

After her children were in school, Diane worked as an administrative assistant to Judi Busch, the Children’s Ministry Director at Hinson church. She worked part-time as an administrative assistant for PREPforkids, a non-profit, non-denominational Christian program for children attending public schools in the greater Portland area. She also was responsible for thousands of Christmas shoeboxes through Samaritan’s Purse ministries. She made boxes herself, often involving her grandchildren; organized and supervised city and statewide collection efforts; and made several trips to the West Coast processing center in Orange County, California.

 

Diane is remembered for her kindness, laughter, and unwavering support to those around her. She invested in people. Diane leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue inspiring her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., November 23rd, at Hinson Baptist Church. 

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.