Diane Aasness

Diane Aasness, 89, of John Day, passed away on August 30, 2026, at her residence in Valley View Assisted Living. A memorial service will be held at a later date, according to the family's wishes.

Diane Ray was born on July 10, 1937, at home in Anacortes, Washington, to James Ray and Billie Burke (McQuarry) Willis. She was one of three children.
When she was 17, Diane met and married the love of her life, John Christian Aasness, in Bremerton, Washington, on September 9, 1954. They would have celebrated their 72-wedding anniversary this year.

There were good times, hard times, and four children: Andrea (Andi), Billie, Matt, and Wes. Through it all, Diane was a homemaker, exceptional musician, loving mother and grandmother, and possessed elegance and delightful humor throughout her life.
On Sundays, she could be found playing piano for praise and worship services at the Living Word Christian Center in Mount Vernon, Oregon, until health challenges presented themselves.

Diane was called home to her Savior with her family by her side. She will be missed and loved by her many longtime friends, her family, and community. Her sweetness of spirit and joyful appreciation of the people who cared for her and loved her will be remembered by all.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, John Aasness of John Day, Oregon; her daughters and their spouses, Andrea and Jim Officer of Seneca, Oregon, and Billie and Mike Moore of Canyon City, Oregon; her sons and their spouses, Matt and Teresa Aasness of John Day, Oregon, and Wes and Terry Aasness of Mount Vernon, Oregon; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; her brother John Willis and family, sister Rachel Hanshaw Mortenson and family, numerous cousins and precious friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, James and Billie; her brother James Willis and sister Susan Hanshaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carrie Young Memorial Foundation, the Living Word Christian Center of Mount Vernon, or Blue Mountain Home Health and Hospice through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, Oregon 97845.
Driskill Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.driskillmemorialchapel.com.