Diane Griffith Riegner Elliott passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026. She was 80 years old. Statuesque with a lilting "gentle" Texas accent and her magnificent smile, she was a stand-out and our beloved friend. Together with her extra tall cheerful gentleman husband they were a perfect match.

It may have been shyness on Bill's part or just denial that he was not a kid anymore, he finally asked "the only girl for me" to marry him! They were wed on June 12, 1993. Diane looked to Bill and his interests always, she adored him. She was so happy to be his wife, her devotion inspired those around her to increase their fondness for their spouses.

Diane was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Valentine's Day in 1946. When she was a little girl her father's job transferred her family to Port Arthur, Texas. Far from generations of Pennsylvania relatives, she was now indisputably a Texan. Diane graduated from the University of Texas in Austin.

Diane spent many years in retail management, starting with Sanger Harris and eventually reconnecting with her future husband while opening a Foley's here in Tulsa. Later she also opened the Barnes & Noble on 71st St. After they were married, she worked for OSU in Stillwater and when she and Bill returned to Tulsa, OSU/Tulsa was her employer.

When Diane was unable to stay at home beginning in 2021 because of cognitive issues, Bill's devotion and love for her was demonstrated so strongly that he never missed a day of visiting her. As William Henry's health also waned and his mobility made his visitation impossible, there was good news in store. His bride was able to return to their home in this last year where they were both cared for.

Diane loved to encourage people to do their best. Even in recent times, even though cognitively compromised, she still gave encouraging statements and her beautiful smile to those around her.

Bill & Diane are members of Christ the King Catholic Church. They are lovers of God who enjoyed singing Sunday night at the Christ the King Chapel, with a fellowship group of faithful friends for the past 14 years.

Diane was proceeded in death by her grandparents Lorah Harbold Riegner and Violet Evelyn Grace and her parents Doris Griffith Riegner and George Lorah Riegner along with her Aunt Salome Pearson Riegner. Her only sibling Susan Ruth Riegner Weaver passed June 19, 2017, followed by Susan's husband, Dr. Phillip Jefferson Weaver in 2021, her nephew Jack C. Elliott, her brother-in- law, James Joseph Elliott II and his wife Sharon Champion Elliott.

Surviving family members are nieces:

Courtney Elizabeth Weaver

Samantha Suzann Weaver

Catherine Elizabeth Codey Jenkins

And Nephews:

Phillip Jefferson Weaver

James J Elliott III

John J Elliott

and her sister -in- law Mary Elizabeth Elliott of Thackerville, OK .

Diane loved Gracie their Golden Retriever so much. Gracie was a faithful companion who Diane spoke of frequently. Gracie is still staying as close to Bill as she can, always at his feet.

We have so much gratitude and appreciation for Tia Humston as she and her care-giving crew have miraculously cared for Bill and Diane. Tia's excellent care has made Diane's home going full of tender mercies.