Patricia Diane Bowers, a resident of Requa, California, was born on May 1, 1955, to Lavina Mattz Bowers and William Douglas Bowers. She peacefully passed away on August 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Diane was a proud member of the Yurok Tribe, hailing from a lineage of leaders, medicine practitioners, and feather people. Born in Canada, she spent her early years in Kamloops, BC, and her formative years in Corvallis and Airlie, Oregon. As a youth, she was a cheerleader, hurdler in track and field, and student body president. Her educational journey took her to Oregon State University, where she was homecoming princess. Additionally, she pursued studies at Hayward University and later established her professional roots in the Bay Area. She nurtured her children in Ashland, Eugene, and Beaverton, Oregon, and over a decade ago, she returned to the Yurok reservation at Requa, her family's ancestral home at the mouth of the Klamath River. Here, she provided unwavering support to her mother Lavina, her family, and the Yurok community.

Diane held a deep passion for fishing and the serenity of the Klamath River. In the late 1970s, she fearlessly defended Yurok Tribal rights, facing down federal agents during the Salmon Wars. She shared her experiences through media interviews and engaged with numerous classes and public events to ensure the significance of the Salmon Wars was never forgotten.

Throughout her career, Diane excelled in banking and housing, garnering multiple consecutive titles as Realtor of the Year. After moving home, she served as the Yurok Tribe’s Education Deputy Director and Executive Director of the Yurok Indian Housing Authority. Most recently, worked in the Yurok Tribe’s fisheries department.

A favorite song of Diane's was "This Little Light of Mine," a reflection of her ability to see the potential for brightness in all she encountered. She possessed an extraordinary talent for making family, friends, and colleagues feel cherished and accepted for their true selves. Diane's love and guidance enveloped her community, making them feel like an integral part of her extended family. She uplifted and supported everyone during their most challenging moments as well as their proudest accomplishments. Diane's perspective radiated positivity, she saw blessing everywhere, and she had the innate ability to make others feel like they were blessings to the world.

Diane was a master seamstress, crafting everything from exquisite couture clothing to durable boat sails and parachutes. She shared joy and beauty through her imaginative Halloween costumes, elegant curtains, furniture, and cherished stuffed animals. In addition to her creative talents, she delighted in cooking for others, even running a café where her delectable pies would sell out before noon. Her secret ingredient was always love, and her kale soup and potato pancakes were cherished by all. Playing poker was another source of joy for Diane, showcasing her skill, and she cultivated a circle of cherished friends at the Elk Valley casino. However, her greatest pride and joy resided in her three children and twelve grandchildren. Their mere presence would light up her eyes and bring forth her most radiant smile.

Diane is survived by her mother, Lavina Bowers, and her siblings: Susan (Leonard) Masten, Debora (Hugo) Yuttralde, William (Diane) Bowers, Janet (Marty) Wortman, and Anthony (Kohleen) Alameda. She leaves behind her beloved children: Cera Bowers (Abraham Rameriz), Mariah Bowers (Jose Lopez), and James Bowers (Angelica Briones), as well as her cherished grandchildren: Shaylee Davis, Samuel Jones, Jonathon Evans, Jeremy Jones, James Bowers, Marissa Bowers, Andric Ramirez, Lilliana Bowers, Arayna Ramirez, Maria Lopez, Samuel Ramirez, and Jayden Ramirez. She also leaves behind numerous adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elk Valley Tribal office at 2332 Howland Hill Road, Crescent City, California on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 4:00 pm.

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