Our Beloved Mother, Cherished Mimi, and Dear Auntie passed away from this world due to natural causes on Thursday, October 24, 2024. We know that she experienced a grand reunion in heaven with all those that preceded her in death.
Zera Diane Griffith was born April 6, 1939 in Santa Clara County, California. She was the first child and daughter of Zera Sharp Griffith and Pearl Lorraine Anno. Her younger brother, Jimmy and younger sister, Jaci joined the family within three years of Diane's birth and the siblings had a unique and special bond throughout their lives. She was always protective of her siblings and was ready for a scuffle anytime someone tried to pick on little Jimmy. Jim always and forever looked up to his older sister and together they talked almost daily throughout their lives.
Zera Diane grew up in San Jose and Angels Camp California where she made many happy memories with friends and family. She was drawn to animals at an early age. She and her Brother Jim talked about catching frogs and then competing in the Calaveras County Frog Jumping contest. In many childhood photos she can be seen with a puppy in her arms. But it was her first horse, Melody, that started her life-long equine passion. From rodeo barrel racing to riding and showing quarter horses she was an amazing horsewoman. In her adult years she was also known for raising beautiful registered poodles, show goats, running a dog grooming studio and teaching the art of belly dancing. She was also an amazing artist, cook, gardener, and writer having created her own monthly newspaper edition for the Santa Ynez Valley News.
Zera Diane was a graduate of Bret Harte Union High School and was a college student at BYU in Provo, Utah when she met her first husband, Paul Ekins. They were married on February 7, 1959 in Angels Camp, California. After Paul's sudden death in 1966, Diane became a widow at just 27 years of age with two young children. Soon after that, she met and married Matt Rees. Together they raised her children, including their youngest, Connie born in 1968. Matt and Diane later divorced.
Unfortunately, her two oldest children Codi Ann and Dean were tragically taken in their 20s in separate vehicle accidents just four years apart leaving her obviously devastated. However, she chose to rise above these immense tragedies and find peace and solace through her faith and in genealogy work and family history. She found healing in looking outward toward others. She also focused on devoting time to her daughter, Connie, her son-in-law, Kevin and her three beloved grandchildren, Elisabeth (now age 24), Emily (now age 20), and Jonathan (now age 18). Her grandchildren were always her joy, and she was their biggest cheerleader staying involved in everything they accomplished as they grew. She was fiercely proud of them and so grateful to be their "Mimi". She cherished her role as mother and grandmother above all else.
Zera Diane worked hard on her own ranches throughout the years and in her later years worked at the Gainey Ranch in Santa Ynez, CA. She loved Native American history, crafted beautiful handmade beaded leather clothing, and enjoyed deep connections with her Crow tribe indigenous friends. She was also a fierce cowgirl and clever horse trainer dazzling others with her knowledge and skill. She once heroically outsmarted some unsavory individuals who tried to steal a prized horse by taking it back from them in the middle of the night right under their noses.
After retiring from the Gainey Ranch, she relocated to Chula Vista, California and then to Whidbey Island, Washington to be close to family. She loved the Pacific Northwest island life and lived out the remainder of her years there among good neighbors and friends. The family would like to specifically acknowledge Cori Phelps, who was the most wonderful caregiver and dear friend to her. We are very appreciative of her and her efforts especially during some of her toughest times. We'd also like to send a heartfelt appreciation to all the helpers and dear friends at the CamBey Senior Apartment complex in Coupeville, Washington, as well as her wonderful physician Dr. Zayan Kanjo.
Despite the physical challenges she experienced later in life, Zera Diane always had a smile on her face and a kind word for those around her. She inspired her extended family with stories and family history discoveries by always looking for the positive in what she saw and learned. She had a beautiful contagious smile and laugh for which she will always be remembered.
We find solace and peace in knowing that she has been reunited with her loved ones who have gone on to heaven before her. Preceding her in death are her parents, grandparents, siblings, and most especially her daughter, Codi Ann and son, Dean. We are grateful for the love she freely shared with those that remain here and know that she will live on in our hearts. Her loving and nurturing influence will continue to be felt as she is now our angel in heaven.
A private family service will be held at the Loper Chapel 2465 Baseline Ave. Ballard, California on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow directly afterwards at the Los Alamos cemetery in California. Condolences may be sent to the Loper Chapel funeral home.