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Diane Frances Baker 
It is with much sadness that the family of Diane Frances (Olson) Baker announces her passing after a long battle with cancer.
Diane was born in Winslow Arizona in 1946. Her parents relocated to Albuquerque New Mexico in 1947. She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Lauretta Olson and her brother Chester Jr. Diane is survived by her husband of thirty years, David Baker, son Chad William Luna, Sister Sandi Hultgren of Glendale Arizona, Sister Barbara Spitz and husband Terry of Albuquerque, and several nieces and nephews.
Known to many as Diane Cole, for much of her employment, Diane worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico for over thirty years. She retired in 2006 having established many cherished friendships with fellow employees. While at BCBS, Diane was as a 1982 Mike Cawood Award recipient in recognition of her outstanding contributions to BCBS. Diane was also a co-founder of 'Blue Stars', a fellow employee annual dinner get-together social group consisting of BCBS staff having fifteen or greater years of service. Post retirement connection with BCBS continued through 2018 wherein she supported BCBS Federal Employee Program Marketing during their annual open enrollment season â€" throughout the state of New Mexico and southwest Texas.
Diane also leaves behind her beloved Valley High School class of 1964. She was an active member of the class reunion committee until 2018.
Her friendships, love of travel and life in New Mexico, were the heart and soul of her being. Diane will be missed by those who came to know her for her optimistic outlook on life.
Diane requested that there be no services. For those who wish to honor her memory, donations can be forwarded in her name to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society. Please see www.danielsfuneral.com to leave condolences.
Published by Albuquerque Journal on Apr. 2, 2023.
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Sue Warren (Garley)
A heartfelt and deserving tribute, Ed. Condolences to Diane's family. RIP, Diane.
Ray Gere
Diane was my neighbor and dear friend. At a time when I was really down, she saw me in a crowd and came up to me and that smile saved the day, and many more. I can barely see the keyboard as I type this, so if there are mistakes, blame the tears. Diane is a gift to always be cherished. My condolences to all her family; indeed to all the family of the Class of '64. May she rest in peace and love.
Mikell Becker
Dearest Diane - what a shock to lose you.
My felt pain is intense. David my heartfelt condolences are inadequate I'm sure.
What a treasure Diane was. Oh how she will be missed.
The class of '64 is greatly reduced by her loss.
Bye dear Diane !
Geraldine 'Gerri' Rivera
You were a bright light, Diane. Rest in peace.
Lorraine Schaefer (Farrell)
It's hard to believe that Diane has passed away. She was so accommendating or should I say brave to allow the reunion committee to invade her home for our meetings. We had such fun. She always worked hard in spite of her illness. We will miss her dearly at our meetings, the next reunion and all the following reunions.
Lorraine
Leslie Fluke
My deepest condolences to all of Dianes family. I know she will be missed by many. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Judith Taylor (Richey)
Diane was a very sweet person. She made it a point at the reunions to welcome everyone
My condolences go out to her family Rest in peace dear friend
Tony Scarton
Diane will be missed by so many friends, family, classmates and co-workers.
She was so supportive to me and the reunion committee. She always went above and beyond. She would create a theme for our “meetings” and would coordinate food, drinks and decorations. It was more like a party when she and David opened their home for many gatherings.
She will always be remembered and celebrated as a vibrant Viking. If there is a Valhalla, she will be the official greeter with her wonderful smile.
On behalf of the Class of ‘64, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-VHS Website Admin
From Sally Mattingly:
I was so sad to hear about Diane’s passing I always loved Diane and Chester. And her mother as well. I send my condolences to her family. She was a central person to my memories of my high school years. Bless you as you ascend to the heavens Diane.
Patricia Barela Rivera
My sincerest condolences to David, Sandi & Barbara for the loss of Diane. She truly was a beautiful soul and will be truly missed by so many of us from our Valley High 1964 Class. Diane and I were the best of friends from junior high till graduation. We had amazing times laughing & enjoying our loving friendship. Then we reconnected again a few years ago and enjoyed recalling our childhood memories. She was the best of the best - my heart is very sad and will miss her very much. Love always, Patricia Barela