Diane Arbogast Buzzard

Diane Arbogast Buzzard went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2019 at the age of 72.  She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and lived in Sacramento, California, since 1974. She was the loving wife of Melvin for nearly 51 years, and the cherished mother of Stephen Craig (married to Kristin) and Stephanie Greenlee (married to Rusty).  She is also survived by five grandchildren: Christopher (engaged to Bailey), Max, Rileigh, Reagan, and Mackenzie. Her father was Robert William Arbogast and mother was Elizabeth Whiting Arbogast. Diane had two siblings including sister Teri and brother Michael.

Diane spent two years at Marshall University before taking a job with the CIA.  With her husband Melvin being in the Air Force, the couple moved to California. In 1986, Diane took a job with the Bureau of Reclamation.  For the next 20 years, she established herself as one of the top employees in the bureau. She retired in 2006.

Diane was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1989. At that time, doctors had told her that she had less than a year to live. She was cancer free for nearly 29 years. In September 2018, the cancer returned. She was known as the WARRIOR. Diane the WARRIOR never gave into the disease making sure she lived life to the fullest. Her last ‘bucket list’ item was to take her family on a trip to Hawaii. She was successful in doing that during the summer of 2018. 

Diane’s highest priority in life was family.  She never missed attending family events that involved her children and grandchildren. Her passion was making holidays and family events extra special. This legacy has wonderfully influenced her growing family’s next generations. Moving forward, holidays will always hold a special place in the family thanks to the care and details exhibited by Diane.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation and a rosary ceremony on Sunday July 14, 2019, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. at ST. MEL CATHOLIC CHURCH (4745 Pennsylvania Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA  916-967-1229.) All are also invited to attend her funeral service on Monday, July 15, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at ST. MEL CATHOLIC CHURCH with a reception to follow. Diane’s resting place will be at the SACRAMENTO VALLEY NATIONAL CEMETERY in Dixon, California.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Arbogast Buzzard, please visit our floral store.