Diane Lynne Hanson, 78, passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood, Montana.

Diane was born in 1947 in Harvey, North Dakota, to Donald and Ethel Severson. In the 1950s, the Severson family moved to Tioga, North Dakota, where Diane grew up along with her brother Don; she graduated from Tioga High School in 1965. That same year, she married Elroy Hanson, and together they built a life on a farm in rural Mountrail County. There, they raised cattle, crops and two daughters — Donita and Toni.

Diane was known for her warm smile, quick wit and gift of gab – she loved to be with friends and family! A well-liked insurance agent in Tioga for many years, she formed lasting connections with many in the community. She also earned an associate degree in psychology from UND–Williston — a personal accomplishment she was proud of, and we all were, too.

Diane was an entrepreneur at heart. In the early 1970s, she started a wood fiber floral business from her home, crafting beautiful corsages, bridal bouquets and arrangements for weddings and special occasions for customers throughout the area. Her creativity didn’t stop there — she was also an expert knitter, known for her intricate sweaters and handmade gifts; she especially enjoyed making sweaters and special items for her grandchildren.

Perhaps her greatest passion was gardening. Each year from early spring into fall, she cared for a large organic garden, growing everything from raspberries and peas to potatoes and tomatoes. She canned and preserved a lot of vegetables and shared the extras with friends and family.

Diane was also an avid reader and an expert Bridge player who loved competing in regional tournaments with her friends. Whether in the garden, with knitting needles in hand, or with a book in her lap, she filled her life and the lives of those around her with great conversation and laughter, generosity, and warmth. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

She is survived by her daughters, Toni Marmon (Todd) and Donita Leeson; her brother, Donald Severson (Linda); grandchildren, Jeffery Moe, Jr. (Emily), Mitchell Moe (Melissa), Jessie Pachel (Matt), Cole Marmon (Bailey), Matthew Leeson and Grace Leeson; great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Jordan, Jerol, Jace, Jaylynn, Jaeger, Jackson, Jarrett, Maci, Lola, Scarlett, Halle and Mya.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elroy; parents, Ethel and Donald Severson.