Diana Doris (Robertson) Larson of Mellette, 71, went to be with her Savior in Heaven on Sunday, December 11, 2016, after a long battle with various health problems following a lung transplant in 2007. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, at Aberdeen Alliance Church (1106 S. Roosevelt St.). Diana's life is celebrated by her husband of 51 years, Wayne, her daughter Heather Beaner (Matthew), her son Michael, her grandson Gabriel, her sister Susan Heizer (Richard), her brother Tom, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, to Doug and Vi Robertson, Diana moved to South Dakota in 1950, graduated from Northwestern High School in 1963 and married Wayne in 1965. She worked at various government jobs including Indian Health Service, the VA, and the IRS. She and Wayne also operated a bookkeeping and tax service for many years while farming and raising Heather and Michael. During this time she finished her Bachelors Degree and later worked as the business manager for Northwestern High School in Mellette until 2006.

Diana is best remembered for her passions in life, most notably her love of music which she used to serve the Lord. Along with her phenomenal piano and singing skills, she witnessed to thousands of people through speaking engagements and Christian Women's Club. Diana was involved with various community choirs and bands, and served as the narrator for the Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree. Always quick to laugh and love, she touched many lives with her fun spirit and determination.

She was a seasoned traveler, visiting Europe several times, the Holy Land, and sailing on numerous cruises with family and friends. Diana also enjoyed camping and fishing and any activity that involved good times with family, such as playing cards or dominoes and doing puzzles. In later years she and Wayne enjoyed their retirement traveling with their RV and making trips to meet friends and family.

Diana was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2005 and received a lung transplant in 2007. Never complaining or losing faith, she worked to regain her health and celebrate the arrival of her grandchild in 2014. Her fighting spirit and positive attitude during years of illness touched many people and demonstrated God's great love.

Along with the funeral service on Wednesday morning, a viewing will be held at Aberdeen Alliance Church on Tuesday evening from 4-7 p.m. Diana will be buried at the Mellette Cemetery next to her parents. Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Diana asked that you consider becoming an organ donor or giving to an organ donation association.