Diana Lynn Martinez

 

Diana Lynn Martinez, 77 of Keokuk, IA passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at River Valley Place in Ft. Madison, IA. 

     She was born August 31, 1948 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Pedro and Alice Adelaide Olvis Martinez.   Diana attended Keokuk High School and loved getting together with classmates once a month for lunch. 

     Diana had been employed by several different businesses through the years, including Kmart, Schnucks and General Electric.

     She was a member of KARE-Keokuk Association for Rites & Equality and was a proud Democrat.  

     Diana found great joy in the outdoors, especially while hunting for geodes, tending to her flowerbeds, and watching the birds that visited. She was a talented seamstress who took pride in her quilting, creating pieces with both care and precision. Diana approached everything she did with a meticulous and particular nature, a trait that defined much of her life.

She had a deep love for her cats—Petey, Sugar, Harriet, Tommie, Momma Ring, Baby Cakes, and Gato—each of whom held a special place in her heart. Gato, who lived to be twenty-nine years old, was a testament to the love and care she gave her animals.  Above all, Diana wished to be remembered in her own words: as someone who spoke her mind and had a “loose tongue,” a reflection of her honesty, spirited nature, and the authenticity she carried throughout her life.

     She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Rairden (Dan) of Keokuk, two grandchildren, Alexis Olvis of Keokuk and Samantha Tiemeier (Payton) of Cedar Rapids, IA and three great-grandchildren, Kyler Cleesen, Bexley Cleesen and Arwen Brotherton.  She is also survived by one sister, Juana Johnson of Eugene, OR, one brother, Robert Martinez of Centerville, IA and one sister-in-law, Judy Martinez of Keokuk, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and her close, special friend, Jean Carpenter.

     Diana was preceded in death by her parents, her life partner, James Camper, one brother, Kenneth Martinez, one sister, Toni Martinez, one sister-in-law, Teresa Martinez and one brother-in-law, Richard Johnson.  

     According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

     Memorials may be made to Keokuk Animal Services or to PAW Fort Madison Animal Shelter. 

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com