December 3, 1940 – January 31, 2025

The Villages, Florida – Dianne Mathilda Lewis, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025. Her nephew, David Rambow, and his wife, Tonja Rambow were by her bedside. Dianne was born on December 3, 1940, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; she was the daughter of the late Arthur M. Olson and Marion B. Olson (Sansburn). The family moved to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho in 1947 then later moved to Snoqualmie, Washington in 1949.

Dianne attended Snoqualmie grade school and Mt Si High School, Snoqualmie, Washington. In 1959 she graduated valedictorian. In the fall of 1959, she began her studies at Washington State University. While at Washington State University, she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa sorority. In 1963, Dianne graduated Magnum Cum Lade with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

It was during her high school years she met the love of her life, Kirk Lewis. They both attended Washington State University. On August 22, 1963, Kirk and Dianne were married at the University Christian Church in Seattle, Washington, a marriage that would last 60 years.

Dianne had two passions. She loved traveling with her husband. Kirk served 27 years with the United States Army and his serve took them both to Europe and numerous Army posts within the U.S. Dianne’s travels even took her to South Vietnam where her husband served as a combat pilot. Her second love was horses. As a child, she would ride a mare bareback around the neighborhood. In 1995, she got her own horse, a Tennessee Walker who she named Danny. She had many wonderful years of riding Danny and teaching family members the joy of horseback riding.

Dianne is survived by her sisters-in-law, Kristi Mainwaring and Monica Mellroth. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. Kirk Lewis, her parents, Arthur M. Olson and Marion B. Olson (Sansburn), and her sister Beverly Lou Rambow and brother, Keith William Turnbull. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dianne will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband, Colonel L. Kirk Lewis at a date to be determined. Following the graveside service, a reception will follow. The Heirs-Baxley Funeral Home in The Villages, Florida, are assisting with the arrangements. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to your favorite charity in the name of Dianne M. Lewis.