Obituary of Diane Sally Bustetter

Diane Sally Bustetter, passed away at her home in Tumwater, Wash., on July 27, 2023. She was born on October 23, 1930, to Fredrick and Blanche Kelmeyer in Los Angeles, California. Diane has lived in Thurston County for 45 years.

Diane attended Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated in 1948. After graduating, Diane married Sterling V. Bustetter on December 1, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. They had two children together. Diane was an Office Manager for Brigg’s Nursery for over 20 years.

Diane loved to quilt and knit. She made baby hats for local hospitals and for children in Africa. She also quilted lap blankets and donated them to hospitals and nursing homes. She would also knit adult hats and donate them to homeless shelters “so they wouldn’t be cold.” 

She was a child of the Depression era and the youngest child of three girls. She was a beautiful and selfless devout Christian. Her love and kindness spread through her family daily. She was very sweet and wise with a remarkable memory, quick wit, smart, funny, and loved by so many.

Diane is preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Bustetter; her parents, Fredrick and Blanche Kelmeyer; and her sisters, Mary Louise Keenan and Beverly Rust.

Diane is survived by her son, Kerry (Susan) Bustetter; her daughter, Deborah Alexander; her grandchildren, Jacob (Devin) Alexander, Jessica Pridmore, Kameron Bustetter, and Sophie Bustetter; her great grandchildren, Cayden Alexander, Kierin Alexander, Niko Alexander, Silas Pridmore, and Mazelyn Pridmore; and her nieces and nephew, Tim Keenan, Shelia Mansfield, and Susan Rust.

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