Diana Freeland

Diana Lynn Freeland was born Feb. 28, 1958, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Ronald William Mertens and Barbara Louise (Baker) Mertens.
She was the first born of four children. Diana grew up in Custer, S.D., graduating from high school in May 1976. During her years in Custer she worked at cafes and a grocery store. During her senior year she worked for Custer State Forestry.
After graduation Diana worked as an aid in the Custer Junior High School; a year later she went to work at the VA hospital in Hot Springs, S.D. The following year, she transferred to the Forest Service in Custer.
On Jan. 2, 1981, Diana married Douglas Arthur Freeland. A year later the couple moved to Wright, Wyo., where Doug started work at Black Thunder Mine. Diana went to work for Decker’s.
Diana’s desire was to be a stay-at-home mom. After having their first son, Nicholas, Diana did stay at home. She delighted in being a stay-at-home mom. She was excited when she found out she would be a mother again. Diana was happy to have a sibling for Nick.
Diana’s desire to know Jesus grew during this time while the boys were young. She was baptized January 1987. Diana enjoyed raising her family.
In 1996 Diana was diagnosed with breast cancer. This changed her life and her desire to have more family and friends come to Jesus.
Following treatment, Diana worked at the school, Big D and Subway. She enjoyed each of these jobs when she got to be around many people. She tirelessly offered her experiences and knowledge of cancer to anyone. Providing support to a multitude of people through the years.
In 2013 the cancer returned. Eventually after different treatments the cancer returned again. She fought the battle until her death.
Diana, of Gillette, Wyo., died Friday, July 15, 2022, at her home. She was 64.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Ronald William Mertens.
She is survived by her husband, Douglas of Gillette; sons, Nick (Ashley) of Gillette, Mike (Beatriz) of Gillette; grandson, Kohlter of Gillette; her mother, Barbara Mertens of Custer; siblings, Karen (Dean) of Custer, Ron (Bobbi) of Gillette and Todd of Belle Fourche, S.D.; nieces, Paige, Jozey, Heather and Sara; great-nieces, Jersey, Oaklie and Kaylie; nephew, Casey; great-nephew, Phoenix; aunts and uncles, Gerry and Denny Anderson of Custer, Homer and Dorothy Baker of Custer; and Ardy Baxter of Charles City, Iowa; Candace (James) of Michigan and grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Colter) of Gillette; Kenady, Kylie, Kara and Deagan of Michigan; and other “grandchildren” of Wright, Leland, J.D., Tag, Hunter, Kaiden, Emily and Kidog.
Celebration of Life for Diana will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, at Wright Baptist Church.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716.
Condolences may also be expressed at walkerfuneralgillette.com