Diane Elizabeth Mathis

"Let not your heart be Troubled." Diane E Mathis passed to heaven from this life on April 9, 2024. She was born in Chico CA, the middle child of Fred and Tina Prieheim (deceased) with sister Kay Parks and brother Mick Prieheim of Chico. Her first marriage produced three children, Chris Smith, Todd Smith (Angie) and Kelley Smith Cabello. Diane attended college at Chico State. She came to Tulare in the early 60's and worked at Sweet's Drug Store. In 1974 she met the love of her life; Ron Mathis and they were wed in 1976. Ron's two children, Laurie Mathis Martin (Brad) and Greg Mathis (Sheri) completed the new family. Together, Ron and Diane shared 50 wonderful years. Table games, Pismo Trips, world cruises, and gathering of friends were her passion. Most of all, she reveled in family celebrations. Her crowning glory were her seven grandchildren ... Connor and Taylor Cabello, Matthew Smith, Mitchell Martin, Jacob, Joel and Jace Mathis. After raising her children, she and Ron owned and operated a Tee Shirt Shop in partnership with Kay and Larry Paxton. Later, it was back to school to study law and she graduated from COS with a paralegal degree. She then worked at the Tulare County Law Library. In her spare time, she served eight years on the Tulare City Council, as a council member, vice-mayor then as the first female Mayor. Diane worked many years with the Tulare Farm Equipment Show/World Ag Expo volunteers and served as Show Chairman for the 30th Show. Then also a year as Chairman for the California Antique Farm Equipment Show. Prior to this she had been active in Tulare Junior Women's Club, Trianda, Les Petit Amis and was the first lady of the Visalia Elks in 1976. Diane was honored as COS Mentor of the Year in 1989, Soroptimist Woman of Distinction in 1993, Tulare Woman of the year in 1998 and COS Hall of Fame in 2000. But topping all of these honors, she was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend the Lord ever shared with us. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Diane Elizabeth Mathis

July 14, 1940 - April 9, 2024