BOMBER MEMORIAL

DIANE KAY HUFF MERTZ ~ Class of 1966
February 10, 1948 - October 8, 2026



Diane Kay Huff was born on February 10, 1948, to George and Patricia (Robertson) Huff, in Bloomington, IL. She was the first of five children born to George and Pat. Her sister, Pamela Jean, died from SIDS in 1952.

Diane was a tomboy in her early years. She hunted and fished with Dad, getting her gun license as soon as she was old enough to take the gun class. She was tough as nails, athletic, and not afraid of anything that got in her way. If there was a project Dad got involved in around the home, she was always right beside him in the effort and loved being his righthand helper. As she got older, her boldness and independence matured and she was known to break a few “house rules,” like breaking curfew and taking the hard road in an argument. Beneath all this bravado, however, was a caring, compassionate, and endearing soul who was loved by so many. Her best friend throughout her life was her younger sister, Toby ('68), who remained her confidant and biggest supporter. Above all, however, was the love and commitment she had for her two children, Jeff and Julie; and her grandchildren: Carson, Hudson, Jessica, Jonathan, Georgia, Jackson, Joy, and Julianne.

Diane attended Central Washington State College (CWSC) right after graduating from Richland's Columbia High School in 1966. She found that she wasn’t ready for that challenge and moved to Seattle with girlfriends, living in an apartment overlooking Lake Union. She worked there for two years and decided to come back home to regroup and attend Columbia Basin College (CBC), where she met Ron Wenner. They both transferred to CWSC after graduating from CBC. They got married in 1970, the year Jeff was born. Diane became a mom and Ron graduated from CWSC, then moved back to the Tri-Cities. Diane was a stay-at-home mom at that point in her life. In 1972 they had an opportunity to move to Wilmington, NC, where her parents, sister Julie ('73 Honorary), and brother Rob were living. They remained there for three years, and added Julie Kay to their family while in Wilmington. Her parents and siblings moved back to Richland, WA, in 1975. Diane and Ron, with their two children, moved back to Richland too around the same time.

The years of raising little children brought Diane the most joy in her life. She loved caring for her children and enjoyed the relationship she had with her sister, Toby, who was also raising small children. The bond was tight between them and remained throughout the rest of her life.

The great outdoors was Diane’s favorite world. She loved water skiing, snow skiing, running, and camping. She was incredibly athletic and able to tackle any sport or athletic challenge with a competitive heart and soul! She passed that trait to her son, in particular. Jeff was an outstanding soccer player and Diane attended nearly all his high school, college and adult games. Camping, also, was one of her greatest loves, with trips to White Pass, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Oregon Coast with her daughter and family.

Diane divorced and became a single mom, working full time, for several years. She remarried and obtained her degree in teaching, becoming a teacher in the Pasco School District. She adored her students and the challenge in helping them transition through life’s changes. She was dedicated and committed to every student. Her compassion and tenderness toward others were apparent with the responses she obtained for years from her previous students.

For twenty years, Diane was married to Jerry Scott and lived on a hobby farm with chickens, goats, a horse, dogs, and cats. Diane never saw an animal or a baby she didn’t love completely. She had such an emotional connection to both, especially dogs. There were times of joy and contentment throughout many of these years. But, as life has its ups and downs, Diane found herself single and ready for a new chapter.

Upon retirement, Diane enjoyed her new life with David Mertz, her husband and life partner. They enjoyed camping, traveling and seeing her daughter and family, along with her son’s family, more than anything else in her life. David, a remarkable craftsman, created furniture and wooden treasures for her, which she embraced and adored more than anything. He was her caregiver and the love of her life. Our whole family is grateful for David being in Diane’s life, bringing her joy and companionship.

Throughout Diane’s life, her commitment and dedication to her strong Christian faith led the way for her and brought her much joy. She has always been incredibly strong in character and conviction. As her illness progressed, she stayed fast to her Christian devotion. Her faith has carried her throughout life's ups and downs.

Diane’s memorial will take place at noon on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Einan’s Chapel in Richland.



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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).