Diana Marie Caldwell (our beloved mother, mom, Gram, Grandma), 86, passed away on October 28th, 2025 in Deer Lodge, MT. She was born in Williamsport, PA on March 25th, 1939 to Chet and Elsie Wagner and was the 2nd of 7 children.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband Ron Caldwell, son Mike Kibler, granddaughter Emily Copeland, parents Chet and Elsie Wagner and her brothers Bob Wagner and Jim Wagner.
In 1955, Diana married Ed Kibler and they had 5 children together. Ed was in the Air Force and they moved frequently to different states and countries until he was stationed in Great Falls in the early 60’s. They both lived the rest of their lives in Montana.
In the 60’s and 70’s, Diana worked in various restaurants throughout MT and raised her children. In the early 80’s, she got her real estate license and sold real estate until she and Ed bought the Avon Cafe. There they raised their grandson Ryan together until their divorce in 1991. She sold the Avon cafe to son Chuck(Sue) in 1997 after she met the love of her life, Ron Caldwell and she and Ryan moved to Dillon to be with Ron. Diana and Ron married in 1997 and they lived on a ranch in Dillon and raised Belgian horses. Unfortunately, Ron passed away just over a year later. In the years after that, she spent most of her time with her grandkids and then her great grandkids. They all have fond memories of spending time on the ranch with her and the animals, camping, and eating her famous cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed watching them play their sports and attended many football and soccer games.
Amazingly, Diana worked until she was 81, at the Indiana University Geological Station in the Tobacco Root mountains of Montana. She was the camp cook(sometimes cooking for over 100 people at a time) and lived the summers in a cabin on the property. Diana loved working and being there and she was super Grandma to the kids who attended the camps from all over the USA and Japan. She worked there for 10 years until her health prevented her from continuing. Diana spent her last years in Deer Lodge, where her son Bruce cared for her and made her life as comfortable as possible. We are all grateful to him for being there for her!
Diana lived her life marked by love and dedication to her family. She also loved animals, camping and cooking for a crowd!
Diana is survived by her children, Mark Kibler, Chuck(Sue) of Avon, MT., Bonnie(Andy) Copeland of Bozeman, MT and Bruce Kibler of Deer Lodge, MT. She is also survived by her siblings, Dave(Joyce)Wagner, Fred(Brenda) Wagner, Sandy(Jim, Kris, Hanna, Jacob) and Sue Fessler. Her memory lives on with grandchildren Ryan Kibler (Kim), Stephanie Kibler, James Kibler (Katie), Clark Copeland, Jenna(Joe)Copeland as well as great grandchildren Cayden, Canyon, Tryston, Clayton and Bailee. She had a special place in her heart for Joyce Kibler and Amy Jo Pahut-Kibler. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
No services are planned at this time. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Deer Lodge Humane Society @https://www.paw-hs.com/
Axelson’s is privileged to take care of Diana and her family.
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