It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Bird, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Diane passed away peacefully of heart failure on July 1, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that will forever be etched in our hearts.
Diane was born on December 24, 1943, to loving parents Verla and George (Tim) McFarland in Tooele, UT. From a young age, she exhibited a remarkable zest for life and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. These qualities laid the foundation for a life dedicated to making a positive impact on those around her.
Diane grew up in St. John (Rush Valley), Utah. She graduated from Tooele High School and went on to take classes from BYU and LDS Business College. Diane moved to Salt Lake City, UT, to work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Genealogical Society. While living in the Avenues, she met her future husband, Harold Bird. Together they started their eternal family, marrying in the Salt Lake Temple on September 24, 1965.
In 1967, Diane and Harold’s family grew, welcoming their first daughter. Four years later, they were surprised with a set of identical twin girls. In 1974, they moved to Riverton, Utah where they lived for 49 years. As a mother, Diane's unwavering love and never ending support were a constant source of inspiration to her children. She nurtured and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and instilled in them the values of empathy, resilience, and determination. Diane's home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging, creating lasting memories for her family.
Diane's impact extended far beyond her immediate circle. Diane was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in countless callings in the Primary, Relief Society, and as Ward Chorister. She was a Temple worker for many years in the Jordan River Temple. Diane and her husband, completed a service mission at the LDS Employment Center. Diane's compassion and selflessness were unwavering.
Diane enjoyed a successful career working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She served her Country diligently for 18 years in many different roles and capacities.
Diane was a dear friend to many. Her genuine nature and ability to lend an empathetic ear made her a trusted confidante. She possessed an uncanny ability to make those around her feel valued and appreciated, effortlessly brightening the lives of all who crossed her path.
In her leisure time, Diane found joy in the great outdoors. She loved camping and picnicking. Diane never missed a chance to celebrate Holidays and to create lasting family traditions including dusty Easter Egg hunts in the West Desert, 4th of July celebrations, Halloween parties, and her famous Christmas Pajamas to name a few.
Diane Bird will be remembered as a beacon of light in our lives, forever radiating warmth, love, and compassion. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Yet, as we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the profound impact she made on the world.
Diane is survived by her husband, Harold Bird, two brothers, Leonard McFarland (Vonadean), and Larry McFarland (Reenie), three children, Kimberley Applegarth (Daniel Applegarth), Kaylene Eldridge (Brian Eldridge), and Kaylynn Dara (Hasan Dara), ten grandchildren, Ashley, Michael (Caitlin), Eric, Katie, Mallory (Christian), Russell, Joshua, Tony (McKenzie), Audri, and Macy, and six great-grandchildren, Keeley, Trevor, Logan, James, Mabel, and Zayn. Her family was everything to Diane. Though she may be physically absent, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those she touched.
A viewing will be held on July 7, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 2361 W. 13400 S., Riverton, UT 84065. On July 8, 2023, there will be a short viewing at the same chapel from 10:00-10:45 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be held that day, 2:30 pm, at Rush Valley Cemetery, 577 Cemetery Rd, Rush Valley, UT 84069. Services will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be joined at either one of the following links: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84002944228 or https://zoom.us/j/97882859540. Please note, you must have a Zoom account and be logged in in order to join either livestream.
Diane Bird's light will forever shine brightly in our hearts, reminding us to embrace each day with love, kindness, and the same unwavering compassion that she exemplified throughout her remarkable life.
