Diane

Walden

Diane Walden was born on July 2, 1953, in Vinita, Oklahoma to James Thornton Butler and Dorothy May Thompson (McKinney). Diane passed away on August 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

Diane grew up in Depew and later settled in Blanchard, Oklahoma. She lived a life marked by strength, love, and resilience. After earning her GED, she returned to college in her thirties, graduating from USAO to pursue her passion for teaching. She taught at Blanchard public schools for many years. She met the love of her life in her twenties Norman Walden whom she married in 1974. Together they built a beautiful family filled with children and grandchildren she cherished deeply.

Diane was known for her independence and zest for life. She loved camping and golfing in her healthier days and never missed a good game of bingo. A devoted fan of the Food Network and OU Sooners football, she brought that same enthusiasm to every aspect of her life. Her loyal dog, Lilly, was always by her side.

Diane's strength, warmth, and unwavering love will be forever remembered by those who knew her.

Diane was preceded in death by her brother Richard Butler; father James Butler; mother Dorothy Thompson; stepfather W.O. Thompson; grandson Dalton Powell.

She is survived by husband Norman Walden of the home; son Shannon and wife Susie Estep of Texas; daughters Mandy and husband Mark Halvorson of South Dakota, Melissia and husband Jeremiah Kittley of Newcastle; brother Dan and wife KO Butler of Piedmont; grandchildren Wyatt and wife Lauren Powell, Cutter Estep, Rope Powell, Brooklyn and husband Daniel Beaty, Cooper Estep, Jacci Hill, and Tegan Arnold; great grandchildren Kinley, Brayley, Oakley, Shiloh, Houston, Athena, and Lyla; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Eisenhour Funeral Home Chapel in Blanchard.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard, Oklahoma.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.