Diane McCown McGwier, 83

Diane McCown McGwier, 83, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully at her Post Falls home on Oct. 29, 2026, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

Born Holly Diane McCown on Oct. 2, 1943, in Kalispell, Diane lived a life full of grace, dedication, and service, touching the hearts of everyone she met.

Diane was the beloved daughter of Acil Avery McCown and Buenetta Siblerud McCown, and the sister of Connie McCown Hensley (Jack) and Paula McCown Little (Jeff).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McGwier; her son, Michael McGwier; her parents; and her sister, Connie Hensley. Despite these profound losses, Diane's spirit remained resilient, her heart generous and kind.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her surviving children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored deeply: daughter Holly McGwier Butcher (Mark) of Sequim, Washington; step-grandchildren Derrick Butcher, Shayna Robnett (Kristin) of Sequim, Washington, and Rebecka Butcher of Port Angeles, Washington; step-great-grandson Avery Butcher, of Port Angeles, Washington; son Robert McGwier Jr. (Kathryn "Kim") of Post Falls, ID; step-grandson Tyler Mitchell (Mizuki) and step-great-grandson Sora Mitchell of Fukuoka, Japan; grandchildren Kathryn "Kadee" Gittel (Jeremy) of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Mitchell McGwier (Kayla) of Post Falls, Idaho; great-grandchildren Jackson and Kathryn "Kendall" Gittel of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Leighton Thompson, Kaidance, and Axel McGwier of Post Falls, Idaho; daughter Beth McGwier Leonardo (Chris) of Duvall, Washington; grandchildren Avery Leonardo of Lynnwood, Washington, and Alyson and Ava Leonardo of Duvall, Washington.

Her family was her joy and her legacy, and she delighted in watching them grow and thrive.

Diane and Bob shared a beautiful journey that began when they married in Kalispell on Aug. 26, 1961. They moved to Atlanta to begin their new life, then relocated to Richmond, Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Spokane, Washington. In 1973, they moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they built their lives and legacy. Together, they navigated life's challenges and joys, creating a home filled with love and laughter.

A graduate of Flathead High School in 1961, Diane was crowned Kalispell Junior Miss. She treasured her classmates and her beloved "Dirty Dozen" girlfriends. A lifelong learner, she pursued knowledge at North Idaho College and maintained a keen interest in technology and new skills. Her roles as a homemaker, seamstress, community leader, and teacher at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) reflected her dedication to others. She served as an alterationist with Perfect Fit and extended her nurturing care to her mother and husband during their illnesses. Most recently, she shared her compassion with the community through her caregiving work with Home Instead.

Diane's faith was foundational to her life. A dedicated member of Coeur d'Alene Bible Church, Real Life Ministries, and P.E.O., she was passionate about supporting students with college scholarships. Her volunteer work over 18 years at Harding Elementary, Lakes Middle School, and Coeur d'Alene High School, along with her involvement with Vacation Bible School (VBS), Girl Scouts, 4-H, Coeur d'Alene Chorale, and choir at St. Paul Memorial and Coeur d'Alene Bible Church, exemplified her commitment to service.

Her hobbies and interests reflected her vibrant personality. Diane excelled in fiber arts, creating heirloom-quality pieces through sewing, knitting, crochet, and needlepoint. She expressed her love of music through the clarinet, piano, and song. She looked forward to her regular gatherings with friends to play bridge and share lunch. An avid outdoorswoman, she reveled in boating, water skiing, snow skiing, golf, hiking, camping, river rafting, fishing, and gardening. Bob and Diane cherished their time with family and friends at Schweitzer Mountain and their years of involvement with the SARS Ski Racing Program.

Diane's vivacious and loving nature brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. Her friendships, both lifelong and new, were treasures she held dear. Her greatest joy was witnessing her family deepen their faith in Jesus Christ, a testament to her guiding influence.

A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. A memorial service celebrating Diane's extraordinary life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16 at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, 641 Conrad Drive, Kalispell.

Bob's urn, from his passing on Dec. 8, 2018, will be placed alongside Diane and they will be laid to rest together among Diane's family. All family and friends are welcome. To leave condolences, please visit yatesfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Moody Radio, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Parkinson's Foundation, or "Out of the Darkness." 

Diane's legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire all those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones.