Diane Straehley Martin, of Fancy Gap, Virginia, passed away on October 16, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of warmth, laughter, and faith that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was 87 years old.

Born on June 25, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Diane grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida, raised primarily by her grandparents, who were a cherished and central part of her life. From an early age, she simply loved being alive. She was silly and kind and smart, and remarkably popular among her classmates. In high school she was voted most talkative, a title she wore proudly. Some said she giggled too much, but those who loved her knew that giggle was one of her very best features. Her smile could light up an entire room.

Diane began her college years at Connecticut Women's College before transferring to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. It was in these years ahead that she would meet and marry the love of her life, John William Martin, on August 24, 1962. The two remained devoted to one another until John's passing on August 18, 2014, a marriage spanning more than five decades. Together they adopted their daughter, Amanda Kay, who brought them great joy.

In her professional life, Diane served as a guidance counselor in the Dade County school system from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. In December of 1978, she and John moved from Miami, Florida, to Fancy Gap, Virginia, where they would remain for the rest of their lives. One of the very first things they did upon arriving was plant a garden, a reflection of Diane's lifelong passion for growing things. Even when she could no longer tend a garden, she kept her beloved plants close, with her treasured orchids being a particular favorite.

Faith was at the heart of everything Diane did. She was an active member of Fancy Gap United Methodist Church and deeply involved in the United Methodist Women's Group, serving both as a member and an officer. She loved reading and researching religion and literature of all kinds, always eager to learn more. Beyond the church, she stayed active with the Fancy Gap Elementary School PTA, served as a substitute teacher, and gave her time as a board member for the Devil's Den Nature Preserve. Many beautiful friendships grew out of her close church family, and she treasured each and every person she met along the way.

Those who knew her well will smile to remember that Diane almost never made it to the end of a movie, drifting off to sleep moments after the opening credits rolled.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Martin and nephew, David Straehley.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda Kay Gibson and Craig; her grandsons, Brent Michael Webb and Christopher Channin Felts Jr.; her granddaughter-in-law, Jadee Webb; and her great grandsons, Carter Webb, Dean Webb and Hudson Frost; her brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Pat Straehley; nieces and nephews, Kristen Veros (Steve), Ruby Straehley, Steve Straehley (Dayna); several great-nieces and nephews; two very special caregivers, Joan Chop and Colleen Puckett; many honorary family who considered her their grandma.

A celebration of Diane's life will be held on November 7th at 2 p.m. at Fancy Gap United Methodist Church. All who loved her are warmly invited to attend and to share any memory or anecdote, that we might honor together the joy she brought to the world.

May she rest in the peace of the Lord she served so faithfully, welcomed home with the same radiant smile she shared so freely here on earth.