Diane Jones Merkel, 65, of Great Falls, MT, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving husband at her side on May 3, 2015. A memorial service will be held at the Fort Shaw Bible Church with Pastor Kirby Jones Officiating on May 9 at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton, Mt on May 13, 2015.

Diane was born on October 27, 1949 to parent’s Homer and Marie Jones. She spent her early years being raised in Hamilton, MT where she later graduated from Hamilton High School. Diane went on to attend Eastern Montana College in Billings but later graduated with a degree in Medical Record Technology from the Spokane Community College. She worked at the Holy Family Hospital in Spokane before returning to Missoula in 1970 to accept the position as Assistant Director of Medical Records at St. Patrick Hospital.

Diane enjoyed traveling and visited many European countries as well as trips to many states. In 1974 she married Perry and after a trip to Hawaii, they moved to Great Falls where she joined her husband in the trucking business. Diane would co-drive with Perry and did Medical Record Consultant work at nursing homes in Great Falls, Red Lodge and Butte. She later gave up the medical record career and focused all her attention on managing the trucking business. Even up until her time of passing, Diane remained active in the trucking business doing everything from driving the trucks to being the dispatcher.

Throughout her life, Diane enjoyed a variety of things in addition to taking care of the business details. She was deep rooted in her faith and enjoyed participating in church activities and attending Bible studies. She enjoyed their numerous cocker-spaniels and cats, who each came with their own unique personality. These additions to the family brought great joy to her life. Diane also enjoyed RV and trucking trips with Perry to Alaska and spending time at their cabin in Lincoln.

Diane’s personal faith in Jesus allowed her to live a life of compassion for others, even though her own life was filled with health issues. Her greatest achievement in life is that she was able to put up with her husband Perry for 41 years. And anyone who knew him would say “Amen” to that.

Diane is survived by her husband Perry; sister, Sheryl (Tim) West of Sula; niece, Doreen Jenness of Missoula; nephew, Dan West of Missoula and mother-in-law Hazel Merkel of Great Falls. She was preceded in death by both parents.

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