Obituary of Diane Christine McDowell

Diane Christine Davis Matheson McDowell, 76, of Gridley, CA passed away on May 30, 2020 in the comfort of her home. Private graveside services will be held for the family on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 10:00 am at Gridley Biggs Cemetery. Memorial Service to be held at a later date when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Diane was born in Salt Lake City, UT to loving parents, Roderick and Margaret Davis, on September 27, 1943. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1961. She then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, where she met her husband, Dennis Matheson. They married on September 3, 1964. They were blessed with two daughters, Christine Matheson and Katie Gibson, both of Gridley, CA. Dennis and Diane enjoyed 26 happy years together. We know their heavenly reunion was joy filled. Diane worked as the secretary of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School for 30 years. She had a great love for the children and developed cherished friendships with many she worked with. On August 5, 1995, Diane married Richard McDowell. She loved nothing more than to gather with her new, large family. Dick and Diane were married for 9 very happy years. Diane loved family, friends, a good laugh, serving others, playing the piano, the ocean, but most of all, her Savior Jesus Christ. It was impossible to spend time with her and not see the beauty of life. We were blessed to have been loved by her. Diane is survived by children: Christine Matheson, Katie (Gary) Gibson, Lucy McDowell, Julie Dutcher, Kristy McDowell, Phillip (Jan) McDowell, Jack (Doreen) McDowell, Robert (Linda) McDowell, and Matt (Louisa) McDowell, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that brought her immense joy, sisters-in-law Marilyn Matheson Linn , and Jane Davis. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Fred (Betty) Davis, James Davis, husbands H. Dennis Matheson and Richard McDowell. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Alzheimer’s Association or Gridley High School Music Program attn: Justin Kern Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.