Diana Mildred Kipe Finch, age 85, passed away on August 29, 2022, in Deer Lodge, Montana. Diana was born on March 2, 1937, in Butte Montana (in a house), to Herman and Della Kipe. Her parents had five children between them, Adeline, Bertrand, Sophronia and Margaret.
Diana graduated from Butte High and then Montana State University as a Registered Nurse. She married Clyde Arthur Finch April 8, 1961. They moved to Deer Lodge, where they raised their two children Brenda and Clyde Finch. She worked as a registered nurse at Powell County Memorial hospital.
Diana loved the outdoors. She loved gardening, camping and fishing. She also enjoyed vacations, especially when she went on cruises with her friends. Diana loved to bake, especially for her grandkids. She would also sneak a few extra bites of sweets now and then. She was a member of the Eastern Star. She was involved with pinochle, bridge, sewing, and bunco clubs. She volunteered at the school as a helper in the classroom. Diana was a very loving, kind and caring person. She loved Jesus and would daily sit in her Lazy Boy recliner and read her bible. She also loved her church and was actively involved as a deacon and treasurer. She became member of the First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge on May 24, 1964. She was ordained Deacon in 1990 and a ruling elder in 2003.
Diana is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde A. Finch, and her siblings Adeline, Margaret, Bertrand and Sophronia. She is survived by her two children Brenda (Brian) Smith and Clyde (Sandra) Finch; two grandchildren, Daniel Smith and Jennifer (Franklin) Thim; two great-grandchildren Alaya and Hailey Thim; her nieces Joyce Walker, Carol, Debbie and Denise Doris; nephews Ray (Diane) Clark, Wendell (Susan) Walker, Mark Walker, Bertrand and Dale Doris, and many great nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 8th at the First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge, 500 Milwaukee Ave, Deer Lodge, MT. A reception will immediately follow. Her internment will be held at 11am the following day, Friday, September 9th, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Butte, MT.
Memorials in honor of Diana are suggested to The First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge or to the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Diana.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Diana and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge
500 Milwaukee Ave
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Luncheon
Immediately Following Service
Thursday September 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge
500 Milwaukee Ave
Deer Lodge, MT 59701
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 9, 2022
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
2415 S. Montana St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge
500 Milwaukee Ave
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Luncheon
Immediately Following Service
Thursday September 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge
500 Milwaukee Ave
Deer Lodge, MT 59701
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 9, 2022
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
2415 S. Montana St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Diane Mavrinac says
We knew both Clyde and Dianna ,they were awsome people, joe worked with Clyde at the prison , I worked with Clyde as his assistant meat cutter of wild game for years , I learned alot from both of them
RaeAnn Carlson says
So sorry to hear this Clyde and Sandy😢 You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers🙏
Jane Harr says
Missing you already Diana. You’ve been a great neighbor and friend.
Cathy Redfern says
I am sorry for your loss. Diana was so kind to me when I was a new mother who was nervous about taking her first-born home from the hospital. She taught me how to bathe him and care for him. She calmed my fears and gave me confidence. 35 years later I still remember and am grateful. I hope the memories you have of her help ease your loss.
Cathy Redfern says
I am sorry for your loss. Diana was so kind to me when I was a new mother who was nervous about taking her first-born home from the hospital. She taught me how to bathe him and care for him. She calmed my fears and gave me confidence. 35 years later I still remember and am grateful. I am.sure she brought the same kindness to many others during her lifetime. I hope the memories you have of her help ease your loss.
Sharon Johnson says
Clyde and Brenda and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Diana was such a lovely lady. She was my nurse when my son was born, and she was so kind and helpful. Over the last 30 plus years, I always loved seeing her out and visiting with her. She will be missed by all in our community. I pray you will find comfort in your memories and the stories of all who knew and loved her. Sharon Moore Johnson
Terri Kipp says
I am so sorry for your loss of both Diana and her sister Sophornia. My thoughts and prayers are with both Diana’s and Sophornia’s families. Rest in piece of you.