Obituary published on Legacy.com by Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory - Umatilla on Oct. 31, 2025.
DIANE MARTEENY LANGLEY, 80, of EUSTIS, FLORIDA, died on October 24, 2025, in TAVARES, FLORIDA. Diane was known for loving family time, friendships, crafts, and especially loved Christmas.
Diane was born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 1945, to Lloyd Marteeny and Betty Brocht
Marteeny. Diane loved vacationing with her sister and parents at a young age, as her father would always find new places for them to experience. They moved to
Umatilla, Florida, when Diane was a toddler, and she attended Umatilla Elementary, Middle, and High School, where she was voted "Best All Around" her senior year. Diane met her husband, Gene Langley, when he transferred to Umatilla High School in 1959.
They both knew they were meant for each other. After high school, she graduated with honors from Massey Business College and worked at First National Bank of Eustis in the Trust department until 1978.
Gene and Diane married on February 26, 1966, at Umatilla First Baptist Church during Gene's first year in the Army. They thought Gene would be assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, but nine days after the wedding, he was shipped to Germany for the remainder of his tour. Diane stayed with her parents while Gene completed his tour. She valued working at the bank during this time as it empowered her to support Gene through the military and college as they began their life together.
Diane and Gene had only one child, Christopher (49). He was the center of their world since his birth. Chris was extremely close to Diane's father, Lloyd, who continued to plan fantastic summer vacation adventures for the whole family, exploring the North Carolina mountains and streams, Florida beaches, and more.
Diane had five grandchildren that lived nearby, ranging from age 10 to 20. She treasured her time with them, especially playing board games they loved, taking trips to Disney, attending school events, and having family gatherings. For the past 20 years, they were the light of her life. Diane had a special way with each child and made them each feel very special. She was interested in everything they said and did, and they knew it.
Diane had a soft spot for furry friends. She and Gene had two furry family members: Tasha and
Cinnamon, both Pomeranians. Diane loved that they each had totally different personalities.
Up until 2005, Diane, her sister Elaine, and their mother had a craft business named "Sisters II and Mother Makes III," selling soft sculpture Christmas tree angel ornaments they called "Ugables" at craft shows in Central Florida. Many years after they stopped selling their creations, collectors would still call wanting more "Tree Critters".
Diane and her best friend, Kathi McCown, were practically inseparable throughout their lives, from toddlerhood until Diane's death. As an adult, another special friend was Kathi's sister, Carol. Diane enjoyed attending annual gatherings of classmates to share old times and memories. Kathi visited Diane's bedside to say her final goodbye, and it was very special.
Diane will always be remembered for love, quality family time, and the care she would take to make someone feel special. She would invest much time and effort in decorating her gifts for others, and the family loved it. Gene tells everyone that they were about to enjoy four milestones: his 80th birthday last year, Diane's 80th birthday this past September, their son soon turns 50, and on February 26th they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage! Diane will be greatly missed.
Diane was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Marteeny, mother Betty Marteeny, and survived by her spouse Gene Langley, son Christopher (Joy), grandchildren Mercy, Jubilee, DJ, Zoe, and Ezekiel, sister Elaine Marshall, Nicholas Marshall (Barbara), and their two sons, Simon and Alexander. A family memorial will be held on November 9, 2025, to share happy memories about Diane's impact on their lives.
A family service will be held at Beyers Funeral Home in Umatilla at 1:00 pm.