Born: Sunday Jun-18-1944
Died: Monday Apr-02-2018
Funeral: Tuesday Apr-10-2018

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Diana June Hernandez peacefully passed away on April 2, 2018 from complications resulting from her year’s long struggle with diabetes. Diana June Leno was born on June 18, 1944 to Ester Brown and Benjamin Ernest Leno in Manteca, California. In 1947 Diana’s father, Ben, married Florence Taylor and together they raised 6 daughters. Marlene, Donna, Norma, Linda, Alice with the youngest being Diana June. Some family members of German descent had trouble pronouncing June. June turned into Joan and the nickname stuck throughout her life. The family lived in California until Diana was two, at which time they decided to move to Oregon and try the country life. Once there the family quickly realized this was not for them and moved back to California. The family finally settled for Santa Monica, Ca and it was there that Diana hit her wild streak and decided to venture out on her own. Consequences of which landed her in a Convent in Los Angeles at the age of fourteen. At the age of sixteen she moved out of the Convent and moved in with her sister, Marlene. While living with her sister, Diana went to work for a telephone company.

At the age of nineteen Diana met the love of her life, Felix Alfonso Hernandez, and they were married on August 25, 1963 in California. On June 7, 1964, Diana and Felix welcomed their pride and joy, Stephani Marie Hernandez into their lives. About 5 years later, Diana and Felix lovingly made the decision to bring Diana’s twelve year old nephew, Mark Edward Hanes, into their hearts and into their home. The family was complete and made their home in Torrance, Ca.

During her adult years in California, Diana was a little bit of everything. Her wild and independent spirit stayed with her throughout her life. Both Diana and Felix enjoyed car racing at Ascot Park in Gardena, Ca. Felix would build the cars and Diana would race them. She was one bad momma in her 1966 Chevelle stock car, racing on a dirt track. In 1974 Diana and Felix made the decision to move back to Diana’s family roots and moved the family to Oakley, Idaho. Once in Idaho, Diana made her living driving spud trucks through harvest and worked as a hair stylist the rest of the year. She owned and operated her own shop in both Heyburn and Burley. Needing a change she later went to work for Ore-Ida and eventually drove Fork Lift for Americold until her retirement. Diana enjoyed camping and fishing and often packed her camping gear and hit the trails with her sister Marlene. Stanley, Idaho was their favorite spot, but they were also known to just park and stay at Murtaugh Lake for weeks at a time. Diana was a devout Christian and also enjoyed bible study with her church family and knitting warming caps for preemie’s or slippers for the family.

Diana was the most loving Mother, Aunt, Sister and Grandmother we could have ever been blessed to have. She would give you the clothes off her back if she thought you needed them. She had the warmest soul, kindest heart and was the feistiest Grandma around. Her mission is completed, she came to this earth to love and be loved and she was loved to the fullest. We will miss her every day.

Diana is survived by her daughter, Stephani (Todd) Merrigan and nephew Mark (Karen) Hanes. Granddaughter, Sara (Pete) Surette. Two sisters Linda Oldham of Rupert, ID and Alice Romberg of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and eleven adopted grandchildren.

Diana is preceded in death by her husband, Felix and her Mother and Father, Ben and Florence Leno and three sisters, Marlene, Donna and Norma.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 10^th, at 11am at M4C at 720 J St, Heyburn (Across from the Heyburn School).  There will be a viewing for friends and family at 10am prior to the service. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the M4C Tuesday Morning ladies mission projects.  Condolences may be shared at morrisonpayne.com  Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert.

Condolences for Diana Hernandez

From: Marjorie Jensen
I enjoyed knowing Diane when she worked at Ore Ida a very sweet and friendly lady .She will be missed.

From: Kim Marston
So sorry for your loss.  Prayers sent to the Family. I enjoyed working with Diana for years at Ore-Ida. She will be missed.

From: Sherr Mart
I am so very sorry f your loss. Joan was an amazing woman and friend.  I i met her in 1978. I worked at Ore-Ida with her. She was always very proud of her family. I loved Her very much.