Virginia Diane Empey

Virginia Diane Empey passed away on August 17, 2025, in her home in Roy, Utah, at the age of 80. She was born on September 22, 1944, in Ogden, Utah, to parents Leon King and Thora Wadsworth. Known to most as Diane, Mom, or Grandma, she lived a fulfilling life devoted to family first, faith, and career. Diane married Gary Empey on August 5, 1966, in the Logan, Utah Temple. From that union came two sons, Jason and Brett.

Diane was an Ogden High graduate and furthered her education at Weber State. This laid a foundation for lifelong learning that she instilled in her sons and grandsons. She spent most of her professional career working at Citi Bank, successfully making a career and, more importantly, building many lasting friendships and connections.

Diane was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She spent all of her married life in Roy near Sand Ridge Park, a community that brought her much joy. She accepted and thrived in many callings and especially loved being part of Young Women’s Leadership - her fondest memories included attending Girls Camp where she inspired the younger generation and made a positive impact on many that is still talked about today.

Beyond her professional and spiritual contributions, Diane had a passion for life that was shown through her many hobbies: Gardening, cooking and baking, hiking, crafting (especially with family), boating, and simply being outdoors and around family. Diane created the typical home of a “grandma” that was filled with love, laughter, cherished memories, and lots of cookies.

Diane is survived by beloved sons Jason (Jackie) and Brett, who will forever be grateful for her love and guidance. She is remembered with love by her grandsons Justin and Clay, who held a special place in her heart. They will miss playing games and having snack nights with Grandma (even though her competitive spirit never showed up when they were around as she always wanted to make them happy rather than win!). Diane also leaves behind her sister, Debbie Olson.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Gary. She will also be joining her brother Duane King, and their parents, as well as many beloved pets Diane and fam shared throughout their lives.

As stated in the beginning, Diane was mostly known as “Mom” or “Grandma”. Family will forever remember her hosting weekly Sunday dinners and always making sure everyone is fed, creating craft ideas for holiday activities, coming up with games for her grandchildren, watching any kind of sports (whether or not her family or favorite teams were playing; the Olympics held a special place in her heart), and always being up for any new adventures her sons or grandsons wanted to bring her on.

The community is invited to celebrate Diane’s life and pay respects at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, where a viewing will be held on August 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a graveside service at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park in Ogden from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew Diane, as her warmth and spirit will be missed by all, especially her family. Please wear purple if you have it as this was Diane’s favorite color and consider adopting a pet from or donating to Nuzzles where Athena, Diane’s loyal guard dog, came from. This would please both Diane and Athena.