Memorial

Diane Lynn Daubenmier, age 69, passed on October 28 in Richmond, CA with her son and son-in-law, Andrew and Rogelio, by her side.

Diane was born April 5, 1956, in San Francisco, CA to Wallace Howard and Patricia Shields with brother Larry.  She grew up in Summit, NJ until relocating to Southern California after high school to attend Biola University as a music major and vocalist.

While at Biola, she met and then married Robert Merrell and they welcomed Andrew into their lives in1983, divorcing soon afterwards.

Diane then worked as an accountant for the nonprofit organization Wycliffe Associates in Orange County, CA for ten years, enjoying ministry work, friends and all the things living in CA has to offer.

In 1993, Diane and Jim Daubenmier (of Cedar Rapids, Iowa) were married and started a 27-year marriage filled with family, grandchildren, friends, church, travel, and charity work in Cedar Rapids and at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya.

Her son, grandchildren, and friends along with church, choir, reading, cooking, and traveling were some of her passions.

While in Iowa, Diane went back to school and acquired a degree in accounting from the University of Iowa, becoming a CPA and eventually the CFO at Waypoint in Cedar Rapids, IA, a nonprofit organization that provides varied services and resources for those experiencing housing instability, poverty, or violence or needing access to quality, affordable childcare. Her work there was rewarding and meaningful.

Diane is survived by her son Andrew Merrell (Rogelio Lopez), stepdaughter Jeri Huyett, stepson Mark (Sheri) Daubenmier, 10 Grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Daubenmier (2020), son-in-law, John Huyett, first husband, Robert Merrell, mother-in-law, Eva Daubenmier, stepmother Madeline Howard, father, Wallace Howard, mother, Patricia Howard and brother, Larry Howard.
 
Diane, thank you for all the meals you prepared for us, the many gifts you so thoughtfully gave, the adventures we experienced together, the talks, walks and glasses of wine we shared… Your easy laugh and ability to find joy (and always a great night’s sleep!) in the midst of the many hardships you endured is truly inspiring. We love you, my wife, my Mom, daughter, sister, Grandma, co-worker, neighbor and friend…You are warm sunshine on our faces and the sweet music we hear…