Diane Buehler Thacker

Diane Buehler Thacker, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, in South Jordan, Utah, surrounded by those she loved most. Diane was the sweetest soul, known for her brightest smile, her beautiful blue eyes, and a presence that felt like pure sunshine. Her life was rooted in faith and family, both of which she placed at the very core of everything she did.

Diane was born on January 8, 1937, in Tooele, Utah, to Charles E. Buehler and Zelma Shaw Buehler. She was one of twelve siblings and a twin, sharing an extraordinary and inseparable bond with her twin sister, Joan. The two were truly tied at the hip, connected by a love so deep it was hard to imagine one without the other—yet it was that very love that made it possible when they were apart.

At just fourteen years old, Diane met the love of her life, Steven B. Thacker, at an LDS dance. Two years later, on February 6, 1953, at the age of sixteen, they were married—proof that when you know, you know. Diane and Steve shared a beautiful love story and were inseparable for 72 years, a partnership marked by devotion, laughter, faith, and enduring romance.

Together, they were blessed with five children. Their first child, Steven, was born prematurely and lived for two precious hours, a loss that forever shaped Diane’s tender heart. Steve later volunteered for the Marine Corps and served for two years. During his service, their second child, William, was born while Steve was away at boot camp in San Diego. During this time, Diane lived with family—this being the only period the couple spent apart in their 72 years of marriage.

Their first home was in Kearns, Utah, purchased on the GI Bill for $5,600, where their third child, Scott, was born. They later moved to a beautiful home in Cottonwood, Utah, where their fourth and fifth children, Anna and James, were born. They lived there for 17 years, building a life full of love and lasting memories.

Diane was a devoted and resilient mother, raising her children largely on her own while Steve traveled frequently for work. She showed tremendous strength, grace, and dedication during these years. When her youngest child was around eight years old, Diane began working at Sears, where she remained until her retirement in 2001.

In 1976, Diane and Steve moved to South Jordan, Utah, into a Parade of Homes house that would remain their beloved home for nearly 50 years. It was there, surrounded by love, that Diane peacefully took her final breath.

Even after 72 years of marriage, Diane and Steve’s love never faded. They still held hands like teenagers—hands that built a cherished family cabin in Timber Lakes, Utah, where countless memories were made. Together, they loved traveling in their RV, escaping Utah winters for warmer days in Arizona, and exploring the world. Diane visited nearly every U.S. state, missing only four, and embraced every adventure with joy. There was one special trip to Nauvoo, Illinois where her and Steve were sealed in the temple.

Diane was blessed with four grandchildren: Brandon (Dimple) Larson, Jamie (Justin) Watterson, Meghan Paravi, and Sierra Thacker. She was the most doting grandmother, treasuring every moment spent with them. Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of three great-grandchildren: Ruby Watterson, Arjun Larson, and Raj Larson.

Diane was a kind and loving woman, instantly adored by those who met her. She was deeply devoted to her church and lived with unwavering faith. She believed strongly that families are forever and held a joyful hope of being reunited again.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steven B. Thacker; her children, William (Vicki) Thacker, Scott (Lilia) Thacker, Anna (Hossein) Paravi, and James (Cathy) Thacker; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her siblings Gwen Smith, Joan Binggeli, Caroyln Ellis, and Madeline Seegmiller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Buehler and Zelma Shaw Buehler; her siblings, Dean Buehler, Kent Buehler, Max Buehler, Mary Wheeler, Janet Richardson, and Marjory Mahoney; and her first child, Steven.

Diane is now reunited with her Heavenly Father, where she always dreamed of being. Her legacy of love, faith, strength, and devotion lives on through the generations who love and adore her—and in every life she touched.

A funeral service will be held for Diane at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Probst Family Funerals, 79 E Main Street, Midway, Utah. A viewing will be held at the Funeral Chapel on Friday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be in the Midway Cemetery.