Diane Kiyoko Mugleston

Mitsy

In the early hours of December 24th, Diane Kiyoko Mugleston, passed away peacefully at home filled with the love of her family.

For those who knew her, Diane will be remembered for the strength and determination she demonstrated in all aspects of her life. She will also be remembered for her kindness and generosity for those less fortunate than her.

Diane was born in Salt Lake City on May 24th, 1954 to Harry and Helen Mitsunaga. She grew up helping her parents on the family farm and working in the family owned fruit stand, “Mits Farm Market”.

Diane married her husband, Steven “Kim” Mugleston on November 16th, 1979. Diane and Kim welcomed their first daughter, Brenda, into their family in 1983, and on Christmas Eve in 1984 their family was completed with the birth of their second daughter, Valerie. Diane loved raising her daughters. She taught her daughters to be strong, independent, and resilient women who believed they could do and be anything they set their minds to.

She graduated from the University of Utah earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught everything from 1st to 3rd grade, at Whittier Elementary and later at M. Lynn Bennion Elementary. Her huge heart and dedication to education touched the lives of many. Not only did she teach the children in her classroom, she often volunteered to mentor student teachers. She guided and prepared them for their future roles as educators. After 30 years of teaching, Diane decided to retire.

As a retiree, she loved going to the Murray Senior Center and engaging in the many activities they had. Her engaging personality helped her make many new friends and she often helped at the center. As part of her generous spirit, she learned of the Murray Children's pantry and would make a weekly donation to make sure that school children did not go hungry.

All during her life, Diane loved to travel. While she was able to visit many of the places that she wanted to, her illness later in life prevented her from fulfilling the goal to see them all.

Diane loved holding parties for her friends and family. Her 4th of July celebrations were always a hit and everyone loved attending. Another party she loved holding was for the Ute football games. As fall and the football season approached, Diane would decorate the house with tons of Ute fan pillows, signs, plaques, blankets, you name it, it was there.

Her spirit of adventure, sense of humor, and smile will be missed, but it will live on in our hearts and memories, never to be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Kim, her daughters, Brenda (Chip) Acosta and Valerie, her mother, Helen Mitsunaga, her brother Lynn Mitsunaga and sisters, Kathy (Ron) Gage and Tami (Robert) Tokita, and aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews, who she loved dearly.

In consideration of the pandemic, and to prevent the spread of Covid-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those wishing to honor her memory, the family would like you to please consider a donation to the Murray Children's Pantry in her name.

A celebration of Diane's life will be on Monday, July 11, 2022 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building.