Diane Elizabeth Edwards, 74, entered into rest on May 2, 2011 in Manteca, California. She was born on December 10, 1936 in Oakland, California, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl Ruben Chase and Nettie Chase.

Mrs. Edwards is survived by her husband of 57 years, Chester John Edwards. Her children are John Edwards and wife Billie of Iowa and Pamela Gibson and husband Jerry of Manteca. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Nicholas Edwards and wife Sarah, William Verver and companion Susie, Steven Verver and fiancé Sami, Soquel Verver and companion Matt, and Michael Gibson. She also had two great-grandchildren whom she adored, Jonathan and Landon. In addition, Diane has one surviving brother, Richard Chase of Carmel Valley.

Diane worked in the education field since 1955 as a Teacher’s Aide working at various schools in Manteca including Yosemite School, French Camp, Lincoln and Lindbergh. She was a member of Calvary Community Church and First Baptist Church where she was involved with choir and bible study. She was a devoted Christian woman, constantly reading her bible and praying for her family. For the last several years Diane and her husband Chet have been residents of Merrill Gardens in Manteca. They both enjoyed going to their weekly bible studies at Merrill Gardens with their friend and bible study teachers, Ron and Yolanda Rodelander. Diane was a member of the Red Hat Society where she enjoyed special lunches, outings and, of course, the red hats and purple clothing. Along with 12 other ladies Diane has been a member of the Birthday Club since 1953; she loved her 12 close friends and always looked forward to the birthday gifts, secret pals, and dinner trips. Diane never missed a Thursday lunch date with her four best friends, and whom she considered sisters, Sylvia, Dianna, Fran. Each evening Chet and Diane had a very special dinner companion, Grace, whom they both considered as family. Diane was a true lady; she loved her lipstick, getting her hair done every Friday, and of course shopping. Diane’s most perfect day was shopping with her best friend, who was her granddaughter, Soquel. They both loved shopping together at Diane’s favorite place, Kohl’s. Every Sunday Diane looked forward to her Sunday Skype session with her great-grandchildren and their special conversations over the phone. Her grandchildren were the most important part of her life; they were her world as she loved them unconditionally. Diane will be remembered for her giving spirit and her love for others. She will be missed.

Mrs. Edward’s services were handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. A visitation was held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life services at 11 a.m. both held at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home 290 N. Union Rd. Manteca, Ca.. She was laid to rest at East Union Cemetery – Manteca. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries / Diane Edwards)

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, May 10, 2011