Diane Sorensen

April 22, 1944 – November 10, 2025
Diane Fern Kimball Sorensen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on November 10, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family. She was 81 years old.
Born on April 22, 1944, to Gladys Haslam Kimball and Preston Coulam Kimball, Diane grew up in North Salt Lake, Utah-spending her childhood in what she lovingly described as "a gravel pit." She graduated from Bountiful High School in 1962 and later attended beauty school, beginning a lifelong passion for hairstyling and caring for others.
Diane married Richard Hume Craven, and together they welcomed three children: Lori, Linda, and John. After their marriage concluded, Diane later met and married the love of her life, Verdell Sorensen. Diane and Verdell were married on February 18, 1976, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 19, 1977. Together, they welcomed their son Jeffery Lewis, and Diane also lovingly embraced Verdell's children: Patti, Rick, Penni, and Peggi.
A dedicated homemaker and skilled hairdresser, Diane impacted countless lives with her strong presence, capable hands, and genuine care. She loved crocheting, spending time camping, and taking trips to Bear Lake. She also enjoyed sailing the Great Salt Lake with her parents and family, as well as early spring and late fall picnics in the crisp air, where a coat and blankets were often needed. She treasured "blue bug rides" all over the mountains, trips to Lower Bowns Reservoir, and what her family fondly called "generic family vacations"-where the destination mattered far less than the laughter and closeness shared along the way.
Diane lived a life of faith and dedicated service. She served a two-year mission with Verdell at historic Cove Fort, Utah. She later served faithfully as a temple worker in the Jordan River Temple, alongside Verdell. She gave her heart and strength as Relief Society President, touching many lives through her compassion, leadership, and testimony.
Diane adored her growing posterity and cherished her roles as grandmother and great-grandmother. She created a legacy of closeness-friends who lasted from high school through every chapter of her life, and a family that loved gathering around her.
Her final years were marked by extraordinary courage. After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Diane fought-gracefully and without complaint-for more than five years, bringing renewed faith to even the "faithless" doctors who questioned their own diagnoses as she continually defied the odds. Ultimately, it was liver cancer that called her home, and she faced it with the same quiet strength that defined her entire life. Throughout these years, Verdell was her devoted and tender caretaker, giving her unwavering love, comfort, and support, and walking with her through every step of her journey.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Preston Kimball, and her great-grandson, Porter James Judd.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Verdell Sorensen; their children, Lori and Ken Olson, Linda and Mike Judd, John and Angie Craven, Jeffery Lewis and Becky Sorensen, Patti Walsh, Rick Sorensen, Penni Sorensen, and Peggi and Scott Defa. She is also survived by her siblings LaVerne Kellersberger and Mel Kimball; a large, loving posterity of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who brought her immeasurable joy and cherished her deeply.
Diane leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, humor, and unwavering faith. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and forever cherished by the family she loved so deeply.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mendez and the team at Huntsman Cancer Institute, the compassionate caregivers at Canyon Hospice, and the devoted members of the Bennion 2nd Ward Relief Society for their exceptional care, service, and unwavering support.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 16th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Jenkins–Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 17th, at the LDS Church, 5775 S. 2700 W., Taylorsville, UT, with a viewing from 9:30–10:15 a.m. and the service from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Interment will follow at Memorial Mortuary and Cemeteries, 1640 E. Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT.