1949 – 2026

Diane Duckworth Swenson, loving spouse, mother, sister, aunt, grammy and “light and heart” of our family, completed her mortal journey and returned to her heavenly home the night of January 22, 2026. At the time of her passing she was surrounded by her loving family. Her death was the merciful culmination of a lengthy, debilitating journey with Alzheimer’s. Diane was born on June 11, 1949 in Kaysville, Utah. She had a happy, carefree childhood, with several notable exceptions:

Like many in her generation, as a youth Diane had penicillin shots which the doctor administered using a thick needle (think eating fork tong). Her dentist used a similar (perhaps the same) needle. A life-long needle phobia resulted, which was passed on to her daughters. In 9th grade, in perhaps the most traumatic event of her life to that time (although grading traumatic events in Diane’s life is challenging, since she tends toward the dramatic, including screaming), her mother gave her a “permanent” or “perm”. Unfortunately, removal of the curlers was accompanied by clumps of Diane’s shoulder length hair. Dramatic screaming ensued. A wig was secured to disguise Diane’s temporary “permanent” baldness until her hair could grow back (although Diane reported that the wig did not have the “bounce” of her natural hair). Fortunately, her school years also included many positives:

In 9th grade she was a school officer, convinced Governor Clyde to visit Kaysville Jr. High and otherwise enjoyed a great year until the “permanent” crisis (see above). During her sophomore year at DHS the drama department presented the play “Sound of Music.” With her typical modesty, Diane more than once informed family members that without trying out she was “drafted” to play “The Baroness” and stole the show. Following high school, Diane moved to Provo to attend BYU. During six years at BYU, Diane secured a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in speech pathology. A highlight of those years was her participation in Angel Flight, a woman’s auxiliary of the ROTC. She also met and married Robert K. Rey. Together they had three daughters, Alysa, Cherilyn, and Emily. Following her schooling, Diane and family lived in Camarillo, California, then in Sandy and Centerville, Utah. When Diane’s marriage ended, Diane purchased a home in Kaysville located next door to the home of her parents, Harry and Carol Duckworth. Diane’s parents were a great source of security for the children and help for Diane during her years as a single, working mother. In the spring of 1987 Diane met Hal Swenson, via events which each believed were inspired. Marriage in the Laie Hawaii temple soon followed. Unfortunately, all was not blissful in the marriage until Hal comprehended, to an acceptable degree, what Diane repeatedly tried to teach him: “If you would just listen to me (unspoken but assumed: “and do what I say”), life will go smoothly!” Diane shared her love of music with Alysa (harp and piano), Cherilyn (piano and flute), and Emily (piano). Alysa and Cherilyn have continued the musical tradition with their children. Diane was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many different callings. She loved her Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. While not a great scriptorian or teacher of the gospel, Diane was an accomplished “liver” of the gospel, particularly the second great commandment. She loved and valued people. New acquaintances were soon friends. She was a member of numerous “friend” groups, including the BBG’s, the Three Musketeers and the Joy/Luck club. In short, Diane had a unique ability to spread sunshine and love.

Undoubtedly, Diane’s greatest sharing of unconditional love and devotion was in the care and nurturing of her daughter Emily (who experienced heart and circulation problems, cognitive impairment and autism). Diane, with the support of her parents, family and teachers, helped Emily learn to read, write beautifully, play the piano and develop socially and spiritually. Due primarily to Diane’s unrelenting efforts, Emily was able to live semi-independently in group homes in Provo. Emily’s roommates were then included in Diane’s ever-expanding circle of friends. Diane had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. Although Alysa and Cherilyn lived away from Utah, trips and vacations were planned to permit Grammy to love and teach her grandchildren. As older grandchildren attended BYU, a grandchild and his or her friends were invited to the Mill House in Kaysville for Conference and food, BYU games and food and the Super Bowl and food. As usual with Diane, the friends grew to love Diane and she loved them. Diane is survived by her spouse Hal N. Swenson, her daughters; Alysa Smith (Matt) and Cherilyn Church, her grandchildren; Dallin Smith (Annie), Alexis Tullis (Mason), Ethan Smith, Sarah Smith, London Church, Brighton Church, and Kensington Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter Emily Rey and her parents, Harry and Carol Duckworth. During the final years of her journey with Alzheimer’s, Diane frequently expressed a hope that Emily would soon appear to accompany her back to her heavenly home.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to numerous family and friends who have supported Diane in her final years. Special thanks are extended to Ana Graves, Alli Heath and Jamie Harston of Canyon Hospice Care for their loving support and care of Diane. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Crestwood Stake Center, 855 East Mutton Hollow Road, Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 30. 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main Street, Kaysville, Utah, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Crestwood Stake Center prior to the funeral service. Interment will take place at the Kaysville City Cemetery in the Spring. The funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Diane’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com