Diane Beckstead Berntsen

 “Life is just a chair of bowlies.” 

Diane Beckstead Berntsen, 74, of Salt Lake City, UT, passed away December 17, 2015 at her home in Sandy, UT. Born on June 28, 1941 to Vera Leone Wheeler Beckstead and Merrill Hyrum “Jake” Beckstead, Diane was the fourth of sixth children growing up on Musser Court in Salt Lake City. 

Diane graduated from East High School in 1959. She attended the University of Utah from 1959-1961 where she was a secretary in the College of Business, then attended the Church College of Hawaii (BYU Hawaii) in Laie, Oahu in 1963. She treasured her time and made lifelong friends in Hawaii before returning to Salt Lake City where she became a flight attendant for Eddy Airlines. Her love of travel and adventure continued throughout her entire life.

Diane met Michael Sorensen Berntsen in the fall of 1963, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18, 1964. Soon after, Mike was drafted into the army and they moved to Bamberg, Germany in 1967 where they lived for 2 1/2 years and their oldest two children were born. She enjoyed participating in the culture, traveling all over Germany and Europe before returning to the states in 1969. They have seven children and twelve grandchildren. 

Diane was a proud, loving and doting homemaker, mother and grandmother. She loved, supported, cheered, taught and raised seven children while mastering all things in the home—cooking, sewing, gardening, crafting, and floral arranging were passions she joyously shared with others. Her Christmas “Stohlen” is legendary. To this day, her children attempt to recreate the traditional sweet roll pastry to her standards. Sometimes playing with her grandkids led to bumps, bruises, and even broken bones, and she loved every minute spent with them. Outside the home, she helped support her husband and the family business, Provo Pharmacy, for over 30 years, and in 2000, she started a floral business, Flowers & Such, with her best friend Barbara Harris. 

Diane was a devout and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She possessed a strong belief in Jesus Christ and unwavering faith that guided her path on this earth. She held many callings in the Church, spending many years serving in the Young Women's Program. A favorite always included music. She loved to play the piano and share her musical talent with others. Diane decided to serve a mission later in life, being called to serve in Frankfurt, Germany in 2008. She served for a year before returning home for health reasons. 

Diane was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2012 after showing signs of dementia. She participated in a year-long clinical study at the University of Utah Neurological Center under the care of Dr. Norman Foster, which confirmed her Alzheimer's diagnosis and supported the importance of PET scans and neurological research. As a result, she is generously donating her brain to the Gift for Life program to further Alzheimer's research and help find a cure. Her strength, humor, quick wit, intelligence and stubbornness saw her through to the very end. Her infectious personality and genuine love for others is reflected in the love and friendship she received from any and all who knew her. Her family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and residents of Sunrise Assisted Living in Sandy, Utah, where Diane lived and was loved since June 2014.

Although she suffered from this debilitating disease, it never broke her spirit, or her wicked sense of humor. The Sunrise staff helped her through the most difficult time in her life, and her family is ever grateful.

She is survived by her children Vicki Jones (Jeff), Kent Berntsen (Angie), Lori Berntsen, Ryan  Berntsen (Heather), Janell Aslett (Shay), Camille Hendricks (Mac); her 12 grandchildren; and her siblings Merrill Beckstead (Nanette), Judy Dunford (David), Cheryl Ford (Clyde) and Leo Beckstead (Lorene). Preceded in death by her parents Vera and Jake Beckstead; sister Leone Chipman; and her son Andrew Berntsen. 

Friends and family are invited to her Celebration of Life Tuesday, December 22nd, from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. Please use the valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 23rd at the LDS Chapel located at 3400 S. 1100 E. at 11 am, with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 AM prior.  Online condolences may be offered and a tribute slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.

Because Diane loves her Flowers & Such, the family welcomes flowers for her Celebration of Life, which may be coordinated through our selected florist, Orchid Dynasty. In addition, donations are welcome to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) in Diane's name. #alzsucks