Diane Chatwin (Born Russon) passed away peacefully at home at the age of 90 on March 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born May 16, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Diane embodied love, kindness, and service. She was a positive influence on countless children and adults who came within her orbit. After majoring in dance at the University of Utah, Diane’s 65-year involvement in the fields of dance, movement, and choreography began. She taught at Brigham Young University, Monterey Peninsula College, and Carmel River School. For decades, she served as the guiding light for young performers at Ariel Theater. Her unfailing cheerfulness, inexhaustible patience, unwavering dedication, and indomitable spirit graced all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.
Diane is survived by her siblings Shirley Ririe and Robert S. (Julia) Russon, as well as her five children: Maryn (Ken) Gunning, Shelley (Paul) Schulte, Suzanne (late husband Dave) Goldschmidt, Marc (Phil) Griffin, and Michael Chatwin. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Anthony DeLoney, Chara DeLoney, David DeLoney, Daniel DeLoney, Spenser Schulte, Alec Schulte, Maxton Schulte, Zach Garza, and Beau Griffin. Diane leaves behind a legacy through her nine great-grandchildren: Hannaliese Hubbard, Marshall Hubbard, Weston DeLoney, Ronan DeLoney, Anderson DeLoney, Riley DeLoney, Emmett Garza, Lewis Garza, and Natalia Schulte. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband of nearly 50 years, Marshall W. Chatwin (2009), as well as her father, J. Stanley Russon, and mother, Allien R. Russon.
Diane’s services in Utah will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025. A viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Starks Funeral Parlor, located at 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT 84106. The graveside service will begin at 11:00 AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery, located at 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. The day’s events will conclude with a reception/luncheon hosted by Diane’s four nieces. Directions to the gathering will be provided at the cemetery.
Diane’s May 10th, 2025, Celebration of Life in California will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1 Skyline Forest Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940. The service will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ariel Theatrical in Diane’s name: https://www.arieltheatrical.org/.
