Diane Marie Martin, 62

Diane Marie Martin, 62, of Kalispell, passed away on July 4, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Diane was born March 4, 1949, at the Old Mercy Hospital in Nampa, Idaho.  Diane grew up in Nampa. She went to St. Paul's Catholic School where she learned to play the piano from Sister Gregory. She was a Girl Scout and junior CDA. She graduated from Nampa High School where she enjoyed cheerleading.

She attended the University of Idaho, was an Alpha Phi, and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Soon after graduation she married Alan Merkle of Boise, Idaho. They moved to Portland and she taught school in the Beaverton School District. This was a happy time for the newlyweds but not meant to last. They divorced five years later. She then moved to Kalispell where she had family. She worked in radio advertising and sales for many years.

Diane loved flowers, the beach, Mexico and Hawaii. She enjoyed swimming and biking.

Surviving Diane are her parents, Don and Micki Martin, of Nampa; brother, Jon Martin, and wife, Debbie, of Boise; sister Julie Stevens, and brother Dave Martin, both of Nampa; and sister, Teri Dumont, and husband, Scott, of Kalispell. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and her companion Norman, and good friend Susan.

Diane was very brave with her brief battle with cancer. She is no longer in pain and is now at peace. We all love her and will miss her.

Condolences can be sent to dcmfox@gmail.com. There will be no local service. Cremation has taken place.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.