Diane Parkin-Speer

Our beloved sister and aunt, Diane Parkin-Speer passed away on March 14, 2015 in her hometown of Bountiful, Utah. She was born February 19, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the beloved daughter of Lorin David and Thora Bauer Parkin.  She married Richard Speer in 1963, but was later divorced.

Diane was always pleasant and considerate of other people. She had a brilliant mind and excelled in education.  She graduated from Bountiful High School and subsequently received her BA from Lewis and Clark University in Oregon.  She then received her MA from Bowling Green University in Ohio and her PhD in English Literature from the University of Iowa.  After her graduation, she taught English Literature at Texas State University for more than 35 years where she was considered to be "a legend."  She loved to teach, especially Shakespeare, and she also lectured to lawyers about 16th Century English Law.

Diane was a strong-willed lady who overcame her addiction to smoking and drinking and helped many through Alcoholics Anonymous.  She was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and always welcomed her home teachers.  In Texas, she attended the Presbyterian Church and made many friends there.  Diane loved her Yorkie dogs. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing and creating art. She also served 2 terms as president of the Kiwanis Club of San Marcos, Texas.  She will be missed by her family, friends and professional colleagues.

Diane is survived by her brother, Jerry Lorin Parkin, his wife, Evelyn, and their seven children:  Ann Holtby, Jay Parkin (Patricia), Thora Jean Parrish (Scott), Lynette Nielson (Alan), Kristine Coombs (James), Susan Hoelzer (Erich), Joy Mitchell (Daniel) and their families.

A special thanks is given to Legacy House of Bountiful for their loving care of Diane during the last five years. We also appreciate the staff of North Canyon Care Center and their compassion towards Diane during her last few weeks.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.  A viewing will be held prior from 9:45-10:45 a.m., with the funeral following.  Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.