Carolyn Phillips

Diane Phillips,Loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, Diane Phillips passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in hospice care, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.She had faced a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, yet her spirit, joy, and warmth never faded.Diane was born on May 24, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, to her mother Nelda Winters. She grew up in sunny Huntington Beach alongside her four younger brothers—Mike Owens, Chris Lanier, Richard Lanier, and Roger Lanier. She adored her siblings, often stepping into the role of an “extra mom” to them, offering guidance, laughter, and unconditional love.After graduating from high school, Diane met and married her first husband, John Arnold, in1969. Together they welcomed their two beloved children, Sidney Arnold and Linda Arnold, and settled in Ontario, California, to raise their family. Diane dedicated herself wholeheartedly to motherhood, filling the home with music, laughter, camping adventures, Scout meetings, holiday gatherings, and countless moments that made everyone feel loved and supported. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, and she radiated joy wherever she went.In 1993, Diane and her daughter Linda returned to Huntington Beach, where fate brought her to James “Jim” Phillips at a karaoke bar. Their shared love for singing and laughter sparked a beautiful love, and they married in 1997. During these years, Diane worked at Target, where she spread her sunshine to coworkers and customers alike. Upon her retirement, she and Jim returned to Ontario, California, to be closer to family—a choice that brought her great happiness.When Jim passed away from cancer in 2010, Diane leaned even more deeply into her role as a mother and grandmother, moving in with Linda and her family. She especially cherished listening to her son-in-law sing and spending time with her grandchildren. Even as her health declined, leading her to live in nursing homes, Diane continued to form deep friendships wherever she went, always brightening rooms with her smile and enjoying visits from her loved ones.For Diane, family was everything. Once she loved you, you became part of her heart forever.Her greatest joy came from being “Grandma” to Andrew Ryan and Madison Ryan, the children of her daughter Linda Arnold-Ryan. She took pride in watching them grow and succeed, and she will continue to watch over them from heaven, smiling with love and pride.Diane is survived by her daughter Linda Arnold-Ryan, grandchildren Andrew Ryan and Madison Ryan, and her brother Chris Lanier. Diane Phillips will be remembered not only for her beautiful voice and infectious laughter, but also for the way she made each person feel special, valued,and loved. Her warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.Her celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM at The Ridge Church, 5100 N Robert Rd, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. All who knew Diane are welcome to attend and honor her remarkable life and legacy.