Diana Jones Hanson, born March 7, 1944, grew up in South Gate, attended Liberty Elementary School and South Gate Junior and Senior High schools. Her mom, Edna, was a waitress at the Mom & Pops Café on Tweedy. After high school she took business classes in college.
Diana met Craig Hanson in the late 60’s when she was married at the time but divorced in the early part of 1970. She and Craig married September 4, 1971. Diana was his best friend and they were happily married 50 years! Diana believed their marriage was successful as they had 13 years of his being in the Military and gone at times, so they could “practice” better at marriage the rest of the years! Craig was in the Military in Vietnam, a Navy pilot for 22 years, and flew commercial flights for Trans American Airlines and training flights for commercial companies. They had no children.
Diana and Craig made their home in Anaheim, but eventually moved to Volcano, California, where one of her brothers and family lived. Volcano is a small town in Amador County in Northern California. It’s a Historical Landmark and during the Gold Rush Era was a booming town of 5,000. 2001’s population sign posted 101, then 105, which was crossed out, changed to 91, and crossed out. Craig said the population should be 96 now, as two homes have been built.
Diana had the honor of being Volcano’s Assistant Post Master for eight years. She and Craig loved to camp and “motor home” around the U.S. Craig took her to Europe, where she was in every country in two days flying on a Navy/Embassy door run in a C130, all around the Mediterranean, up to Finland, Denmark, and back down to places in southern Europe in those two days! She also spent 30 days in Spain, Morocco, and flew in the Navy plane to Israel.
Of Diana, Craig said, “That woman did more things!” She toile painted, rock painted, counter-cross stitched, long-counter-cross stitched, knitted, crocheted, did needlepoint and quilted. She won 1st prize at the Orange County Fair with a counter-cross stitch artwork done with yarn and won prizes at the California State Fair, as well.
Even though Diana had COPD, she loved to walk all over the place! In 2021 she spent 40 days in the hospital and that’s where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Three weeks before she passed away, she was diagnosed with cancer. She was pain-free when she passed quickly on November 8, 2021. It has been too painful for Craig to have a Celebration of Life for Diana and she didn’t want anything done. She is survived by her brother Michael who lives in Laguna. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. A special “Thank You” to her husband, Craig, for helping with this tribute to Diana. Rest in peace, dear classmate.
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Judy Hanson (Dillard)
Heartfelt Condolences to Craig and the rest of Dianas' family. I knew her in passing in the halls and she was aways friendly. Rest in Peace.
Al Varela
Condolences to Diana Jones Hanson's family, especially to her husbsnd Craig. She was loved and loved back. We can only imagine his great loss, and we pray for peace and comfort.
Charles Klumpp
My condolences and prayers go out to Diana's family. She has turned a page from her earthly life to a new life in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Margaret Mahar (Allen)
Prayers of comfort sent to youWendell Jackson
Diana Jones Hanson memories – from Anita Jordan
Born March 7, 1944; died November 8, 2021 of lung cancer. She was my best buddy since Liberty Blvd – we went on to South Gate Jr. and Sr. High School. She was predeceased by younger brother, Bob, and her only daughter, Janette. Her younger brother Mike lives in Laguna. Her parents were strict, so no movies for her – but we still had fun riding bikes and walking to the library. We painted each other’s bedrooms and laughed a lot. We wrote about when her family took trips to Missouri. I delighted in giving her weird gifts like a small box of chicken fat. She was there for me between apartments when I was raising 3 boys in Anaheim. We were not in touch for 40 years, but I found her online (peoplewhiz.com) in Volcano, CA. Too far to drive for us both, and too far for handy amenities, but I still sent her Sees, and a long dress like mine. We were also buds with Nancy Lingo Rizma and Peggy Thacker. I would have pestered her more if she had lived closer.