Diane Marie (Bowen) Davis was born in Maryland on January 14, 1952, to Carroll James Bowen and Claudia Johns Bowen. She was the youngest of four and loved being the baby of the family. The family moved quite a bit over the years, spending time in Texas, Maryland, and Virginia. Diane had particularly fond memories of her time in Lovettsville, Virginia; she was a "horse girl" who loved her pony named Prince. She once made the local newspaper when a different horse bit off the rim of her ear. 

Diane married young in 1969 and later welcomed two daughters: Claudia and Mona. In 1981, she married Greg Davis and soon welcomed a third daughter: Audrey (the cutest red-headed baby the world had ever known).  The family of five lived in Springfield, Virginia for many years. They often trekked down to Myrtle Beach for summer vacations. Diane loved sitting on the balcony and listening to the crashing waves. 

Diane was well known as a great lover of cats and was often cagey when asked exactly how many she had at any given time.  She was unable to resist the strays who showed up at her door and they, in turn, were unable to resist a warm lap and all the Fancy Feast they could eat. 

She was proud of her perfect handwriting (often reminding her children that she won penmanship awards in elementary school) and her fabulous teeth. She had many talents: sewing (Oh, how the lady could sew! She made many intricate dresses and costumes for her grandchildren.), crocheting, silk flower making/arranging, jewelry making, and dabbling in various art forms. She was very creative and artistic. She was an excellent cook who made the best fudge ever.  Career-wise, Diane tried a few on for size. She worked in cosmetology, make-up artistry, and real estate. She completed paralegal studies at Northern Virginia Community College. 

Diane seldom left the house until her make-up was perfect and she was fully accessorized. "I have to put my face on," she would say. She believed in big earrings and even bigger hair.  She would often apply press-on nails and then pluck them off hours later, cussing their utility (or lack thereof) all the while. Her penchant for shoes left many wondering if she had more than two feet. She once famously asked, before a family vacation, "Which pair should I take?" Both pairs she held up were green. Diane also bought bedroom slippers every chance she got so that she could leave them everywhere she traveled. Check under the bed in your guest room - a pair might be there. 

As those who knew her can attest, Diane was very bright and had a sharp sense of humor. She and Greg traded barbs and jokes for over 40 years. She did a "hey hey hey" Fat Albert impression that was inexplicably hilarious.  One friend remembers her as "larger than life" and "very funny."  She had an eye for kitschy decor and wasn't afraid to grab a drill and tackle household projects. In the summer, she liked to fill the front porch with flowers and won "yard of the week" in her small town a couple of times. The competition didn't stand a chance! 

Diane had a deep appreciation for music and had little concern for her hearing as she cranked the Stones and other bands she loved. She enjoyed searching for new bands to love on YouTube, often passing along her recommendations to her daughters. 

Diane battled depression off and on over the years, trying various ways to quiet the sadness in her heart. Like all of us, she was imperfect but did her best to enjoy life's little pleasures - like watching back-to-back episodes of Judge Judy or old musicals that made her daughters roll their eyes ('Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' anyone?). 

Diane died in Oklahoma City on April 28, 2025. She leaves behind her three daughters: Claudia (Patrick) Moder, Mona (Josh) Larsen, and Audrey Davis. She also lives on in her grandchildren: Lydia Carey, Liam Carey, Adrienne Moder, Barrett Claunch, Gunther Claunch, Ronan Larsen, Axel Claunch, and Annabelle Larsen. Diane was preceded in death by her husband (Greg), parents, and siblings. 

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We have decided not to have a formal service for our mom. Her three daughters will spread her ashes in places she loved and work on other ways to honor her memory.

In 1981, our mom's life was saved by blood donors - she hemorrhaged badly after giving birth. We invite you to remember her by giving blood! If you can't donate blood, consider supporting a cat rescue or pet shelter near you.

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