Diane Duckworth Swenson

Diane Duckworth Swenson, loving spouse, mother, sister, aunt, grammy and “light and heart” of our family, completed her mortal journey and returned to her heavenly home the night of January 22, 2026. Her passing was the merciful culmination of her lengthy debilitating journey with Alzheimer’s. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born on June 11, 1949 in Kaysville, Utah. she had a happy, carefree childhood, with several notable exceptions:

-She claimed her older brother Larry would torment her by flipping her with a wet towel or similar item, necessitating a phone call to her father at his store for rescue.

-Like many in her generation, as a youth Diane had penicillin shots which the doctor administered using a pain-inducing thick needle. her dentist used a similar (perhaps the same) needle. a life-long needle phobia resulted, which was passed on to her daughters.

-In 9th grade, in perhaps the most traumatic event of her life to that time (although grading traumatic events in Diane’s life is challenging, since she tends toward the dramatic, including screaming), her mother gave her a “permanent” or “perm”. unfortunately, removal of the curlers was accompanied by clumps of Diane’s shoulder length hair. dramatic screaming ensued. a wig was secured to disguise Diane’s temporary “permanent” baldness until her hair could grow back (although Diane reported that the wig did not have the “bounce” of her natural hair).

-Fascinated by the harp played by a neighbor, Shru de li smith (Ownbey), Diane petitioned her mother for harp lessons. to Diane’s lasting regret, her mother determined that playing the piano was preferable.

Fortunately, her school years also included many positives:

-She lived close to all of the Kaysville schools, including her beloved Davis high school, so her walks to school were short when the weather was cold.

-In 9th grade she was a school officer, convinced Governor Clyde to visit Kaysville jr. high and otherwise enjoyed a great year until the “permanent” (see above).

-During her sophomore year at DHS the drama department presented the play “sound of music.” with her typical modesty, she more than once informed family members that without trying out she was “drafted” to play “the baroness” and stole the show.

-She became an accomplished pianist and accompanist and enjoyed participating in a musical quintet named “four fingers and a thumb.”

- She enjoyed summers at the Oakridge Country Club swimming pool with Carolyn Drage (Hansen).

-During high school Diane’s good friend Liza Simmons provided a daily ride to school and a safe haven at the Simmons compound on Crestwood Road when, in Diane’s opinion, her mother was being unreasonable.

Following high school, Diane moved to Provo to attend BYU. During six years at BYU, Diane secured a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in speech pathology. a highlight was her participation in angel flight, a woman’s auxiliary of the ROTC. She also met and married Robert k. Rey. together they had three daughters, Alysa, Cherilyn, and Emily. following her schooling, Diane and family lived in Camarillo, California, then in Sandy and Centerville in Utah.

When Diane’s marriage ended, Diane purchased a home in Kaysville located next door to the home of her parents, Harry and Carol Duckworth. Diane’s parents were a great source of security for the children and help for Diane during her years as a single, working mother. A highlight of this period was a tour of great Britain and Europe with her friends, Heidi Hill, and Lorraine Anderson. Perhaps this trip was the basis for her love of all things English and European, including her strong ties to the dowager countess of Downton Abbey. She also shared a first name with the princess of Wales – Princess Diana. for a time, Diane requested certain family and friends to address her as “Lady Di.”

In the spring of 1987 Diane met Hal Swenson, via events which each believed were inspired. They enjoyed a romantic summer of dating during which Hal often was permitted to sleep over on weekend nights at Harry and Carol’s home. On a weekend day in September following such a sleepover, Carol, in her usual direct manner, inquired as to Hal’s “plans,” recognizing an ultimatum (and the likely loss of his sleepover privileges). Hal soon proposed. marriage in the Laie Hawaii temple soon followed. unfortunately, all was not blissful in the marriage until hall comprehended, to an acceptable degree, what Diane repeatedly tried to teach him: “if you would just listen to me (unspoken but assumed: “and do what I say”), life will go smoothly.”

During her marriage to Hal the family moved to Somerset in Farmington, followed by moves to Salt Lake City, then back to Farmington. Diane and Hal eventually returned to Diane’s beloved hometown to reside in the “mill house” planned and built by her good friend and designer Susan Lierman. the mill house came complete with a replica downstairs of her father’s grocery store (“Harry’s”), where grandchildren and neighborhood children could play.

Diane shared her love of music with Alysa (harp and piano), Cherilyn (piano and flute), and Emily (piano). Alysa and Cherilyn have continued the musical tradition with their children.

Diane was a lifetime member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, serving in many different callings. she loved her heavenly father and savior, Jesus Christ. while not a great scriptorian or teacher of the gospel, Diane was an accomplished “liver” of the gospel, particularly the second great commandment. she loved and valued people. new acquaintances were soon friends. she was a member of numerous “friend” groups, including the BBQ’s, the three musketeers and the joy/luck club. in short, Diane had a unique ability to spread sunshine and joy.

Undoubtedly, Diane’s greatest sharing of unconditional love and devotion was in the care and nurturing of her daughter Emily (who experienced heart and circulation problems, cognitive impairment and autism). Diane, with the support of her parents, family and teachers, helped Emily learn to read, write beautifully, play the piano and develop socially and spiritually. due primarily to Diane’s unrelenting efforts, Emily was able to live semi-independently in group homes in Provo. Emily’s roommates were then included in Diane’s ever- expanding circle of friends.

Diane had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. although Alysa and Cherilyn lived away from Utah, trips and vacations were planned to permit grammy to love and teach her grandchildren. as older grandchildren attended BYU, a grandchild and his or her friends were invited to the mill house in Kaysville for conference and food, BYU games and food and the super bowl and food. as usual with Diane, the friends grew to love Diane and she loved them.

Diane is survived by her spouse Hal N. Swenson, her daughters; Alysa Smith (Matt) and Cherilyn church, and her grandchildren; Dallin Smith (Annie), Alexis Tullis (Mason), Ethan Smith, Sarah Smith, London Church, Brighton Church, and Kensington Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter Emily Rey and her parents, Harry and Carol Duckworth. During the final years of her journey with Alzheimer’s, Diane frequently expressed a hope that Emily would appear to accompany her back to her heavenly home.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to numerous family and friends who have supported Diane in her final years. special thanks are extended to Ana Graves, Alli Heath and Jamie Harston of Canyon Hospice care for their loving support and care of Diane.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Crestwood Stake Center, 855 east Mutton Hollow Road, Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Friday, January 30. 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main Street, Kaysville, Utah and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Crestwood stake center prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be held at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

The funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Diane's obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com