Diane Schwendiman

1938 - 2025

Our beloved Diane Roberts Parkinson Schwendiman passed away on June 11, 2025.

She was born on September 20, 1938, in Rexburg Idaho, to Keith Parkinson and Merle Roberts. She had three sisters Carolyn, Gayle and Sandra and one brother, Bob. She deeply loved her family and her heritage. Diane was thrilled when she was finally able to visit Wales and England and see where her family came from.

In Diane's early life, her family lived in Rexburg, Idaho, during the school year and on the farm during the summer. Some of her happiest memories of growing up were playing house in the groves and rocks. She graduated from Madison High School and then continued to nursing school in Idaho Falls, where she graduated as a registered nurse. She later worked at Madison Memorial Hospital.

She met the love of her life Val Schwendiman in 1954 while practicing for a dance festival in the basement of the Rexburg Tabernacle. This was the beginning of a nearly five-year courtship. They were married and sealed for eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 29, 1959.

Together Diane and Val have 10 children, David (Melanie), baby daughter (deceased), Lynda (Tim, deceased) Grace, Juli (Mike) Richards, Suzan (Patric) Gerber, Russell (Malissa), Dan (deceased), Stan (Jody), Lee (SamieLyn), and Tyler (Jessica). This has led to 40 grandchildren, and 63 great-grandchildren. Diane's family is truly the treasure of her life.

Diane faced several health challenges in her life. At ten months old, she contracted a whooping cough which severely affected her eyesight, and she began wearing glasses at the age of two. While a young mother, Diane was afflicted by Guillain-Barre, which left her paralyzed and near death. Not one to let a rare disease stop her, she forced herself back to health despite terrific pain and overwhelming obstacles so she could remain with Val and raise her six living children and later welcome three more.

Music was a very big part of Diane's life, and she held many music positions in the church. She was very intentional about ensuring that each of her children learned to play the piano, and that love of music continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Diane loved fun and adventure. She was a force for good in this life, a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her life was marked by selfless service to others. Above all, her greatest gift was an unconditional love for everyone, making her a powerful example to all who knew her.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the LDS Stake Center in Sugar City, Idaho, 25 West 3rd South, Sugar City, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at the same location on June 21 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. that morning.

Interment following the funeral will be at the Teton-Newdale cemetery 5644 East 3000 North, Sugar City, Idaho.

The family would like to thank all those who worked with Diane at Rexburg Madison Memorial Hospital. Your professionalism, compassion, and kindness truly made a difference for us during this really difficult time.