Diane (Tompkins) EATON

EATON, TOMPKINS, DIRIENZO, TAYLOR

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

June 8, 1935 —-- April 1, 2021

COLUMBIANA, Ohio — Diane Eaton, 85, passed away peacefully at home Thursday (April 1) following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Diane was born in Norfolk, Neb., June 8, 1935, a daughter of Vernon "Tommy" Tompkins and June Tompkins. She was the youngest of four children.

Her family moved to Clarion, Iowa, in 1937 and to Rochester, N.Y., in 1943. There, she graduated from East High School in 1953. She attended Miami University in Oxford. She married her best friend, Roy C. "Bill" Eaton, Sept. 25, 1954.

Diane loved to sew, knit, and crochet. She lovingly made Teddy bears for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many new babies.

After Bill retired in 1985, they spent time traveling and in 1997 bought a home in Venice, Fla., where they wintered for many years.

Diane loved all animals, especially dogs. She and Bill raised several litters of Dachshunds and a litter of Labradors.

Diane loved all sports and was a tennis player as well as an avid golfer, even getting a hole-in-one.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, a brother and a great-grandson. Diane leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Bill, of 66 years; her children Terry (Dennis) DiRienzo of Calcutta, William (Terri) Eaton of Sarasota, Fla., and Nancy Taylor of East Liverpool; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Her family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their wonderful care and compassion during her illness as well as her caregiver, Julie.

As per Diane's wishes, there are no funeral services. A private memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, Diane's family requests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Angels for Animals, 4750 State Route 165, Columbiana Ohio 44406 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman Ohio 44512.