Obituary of Dianna J. Atkins

Dianna J. Atkins, 68, of The Villages, Florida passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 while under the care of Cornerstone hospice with her family’s comfort bedside. For many years, she fought a long battle with cancer.

 

Born in Seattle, Washington to Robert and Marilyn Dragness. In her youth, she moved to Fort Bragg, California where she graduated from high school in 1968. Shortly thereafter, she completed Weaver Airline Personnel School in St. Louis, Missouri in preparation for a career with the airlines.

 

Upon returning to her hometown, her bright and alluring smile attracted a young Air Force Sergeant, Randy Atkins; they married on June 21^st, 1969. For 49 years together thereafter, they traveled throughout the states and overseas as Department of Defense employees. Many knew her as “DJ” a nickname she was given during her long civilian military service. She retired after 30 years as a Systems Analyst for HQ US Air Force Safety Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

 

During their years together, Dianna and her husband enjoyed boating, RV travel, skiing, an occasional motorcycle ride, and her long line of beloved beagles. While living in Germany for 6 years in the early 80’s, she and her husband traveled extensively with their young son and visited many of the charms of old-world Europe together.

 

After her return to the US, Dianna and Randy loved to vacation every chance they got. They loved Mexico’s warm waters, Canada’s blue glacial lakes, Hawaii’s sunsets, Maine’s pine scented woods, and even trekked back to Europe to “castle-hop” through Luxembourg and Germany.

 

In 2013 she moved to The Villages, Florida with her husband. Dianna loved golf, sewing, cooking, exercise classes, and sharing time with her many new friends. Dianna loved all types of music: every song, by every group, at every town square, was her favorite.  She was definitely “The life of the party” wherever she went and anyone she met would remember their time with her.

 

Uniquely, we’ll remember her as a vibrant, sweet, and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, and always, friend.

Survivors include her loving husband Randy Atkins; son Ian Atkins and wife Erin; Grandson,Van; Mother; Marilyn Schofer, Sister; Pamela Wiedenmeyer, Brother; Robert M. Dragness.  She is preceded in death by her father Robert H. Dragness.

 

Dianna’s family gives special thanks to Doreen Woodward and Maggie Lahaise; who’s devotion, love, and care for her will never be forgotten and is deeply appreciated more than words can say. 

 

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dianna’s memory to the following:

• Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation https://secure.infokomen.org
• Cornerstone Hospice https://web.cshospice.org

 

Arrangements entrusted with HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL  32162.   Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.