Diane Elaine (Sunderman) Chilton, 72, passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, into the arms of our Father in Heaven. She was at home, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Diane was born October 30, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio to Harry and Carolyn (Wynd) Sunderman. She graduated in 1961 from South High School in Columbus, and then went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, working for several years at Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus.
She married Ron Chilton of Decatur, Texas, in 1968; their daughter, Mindy was born five years later, and the three of them eventually settled in Burleson, Texas. They became members of First Christian Church of Burleson. Diane truly loved serving the Lord and His people. She especially enjoyed singing in the choir, and also served as a Worship Leader, Treasurer, and Elder. She always looked forward to the yearly retreats with her Christian Women’s Fellowship.
After a break from nursing to focus on church and family, she returned to work at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, where she remained for twelve years. She loved caring for newborns in the nursery, and was known for her ever-present smile. While she was often teased for her cold hands, she always had a warm heart.
An amazing mother, Diane was the epitome of unconditional love. With patience, grace and a love for Christ our Lord, she parented by example. She was a confidante, a consoler, and a cheerleader. Diane made life fun and was always up for an adventure. She loved being a Mom, and then a Grandma, and her joy in this was obvious.
Diane loved watching college football on Saturdays in the fall, and always rooted for her team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Her favorite season was winter, and she would always hope for a white Christmas. She loved the snow, and never missed the chance to build a snowman or have a good, old-fashioned snowball fight. Over the Christmas holidays, one would find music playing, and sweet smells from the kitchen, as she made her famous fudge. As Diane aged, she battled with dementia and mobility issues, and later, breast cancer. She never lost her sweet smile or sense of humor through it all, and continued to be a blessing to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but we know she is rejoicing with the angels in Heaven.
Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Mindy Beth Luck, and husband, James, of Burleson; four adoring grandchildren, Isabel (11), Elizabeth (11), Olivia (8), and Jackson (3); her brother, Gary Sunderman, and wife, Carol, of Pataskala, Ohio; her sister, Jenny Rodriguez, and husband, Rick, of Gilbertsville, Kentucky; her niece and goddaughter, Carolyn Rodriguez, of Kentucky; and her nieces, Leanne Flinton, of Ohio, Andi Shacklett, of Pennsylvania, and her nephew, John Sunderman, of Colorado, along with each of their spouses and children; as well as many friends and caregivers who loved her like family.
She was preceded in death by a loving mother and father; several aunts and uncles; and her sweet nephew, Joseph (Joey) Sunderman, age 22 months.
Even in death, she continues to serve others by willing her body to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for research and medical education.
Friends and family are invited to donate to the American Cancer Society, First Christian Church of Burleson, TX, or Encompass Hospice in memory of this humble and compassionate servant of God.