Diane Link, 70

Diane Link, 70, passed away Feb. 19, 2026. She was born July 9, 1955, in Ogden, Utah, the middle daughter of Elwood K. McFarland and Beth Olsen.

Diane earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Weber State and Utah State universities and dedicated her life to teaching. After graduation, she married James Riley on March 20, 1982. She spent 26 years with the Lakeland School District in Athol, Idaho, and was esteemed as Teacher of the Year three times. A passionate advocate for education, she was active in the National Education Association and represented Idaho at Education Lobby Week in Washington, D.C.

In 2006, Diane married Brad Link. Together, they enjoyed outdoor adventures, travel and time with family.

In retirement, Diane devoted herself to gardening, pickleball and volunteer service. She trained her beloved dog, Lolo, as a therapy dog for hospital and retirement-home visits, supported foster-care placement programs and earned numerous awards at the Kootenai County Fair for gardening, sewing and needlework.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Diane served others with compassion, generosity and quiet devotion.

She is survived by her sisters, Nancy Brown and Carol Garner of Utah, husband Brad Link of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; her daughter, Lauren Rex (Brandon) of Pensacola, Fla.; her son, Harrison Seth Riley of Chicago, Ill.; four stepchildren and their spouses; and 116 grandchildren.

Friends may join the family for a memorial visitation at the LDS chapel located at 2293 W. Hanley Ave. from 5 to 7 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, March 19. Memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Friday, March 20, at the same location. Services will be available virtually. Interment will be at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.  

In lieu of flowers, Diane requested that donations be made to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.