Elizabeth Diane (Cash) Hansen, 83, passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 28, 2026, after battling late-stage dementia and while in the loving care of the staff at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson, MT.

Diane was born to Tom and Erma (Hendricks) Cash on July 29, 1943, in Buffalo, WY, joining brother Richard (Dick) and making their family complete. She lived a generally happy childhood, but experienced trauma early on, losing her mother and brother in separate accidents. Diane’s dad guided her through those tough times with the love and support of her extended Cash family, especially Aunt Lois and Uncle Harold in Kaycee, WY, and her “double” cousins Ginger, Sue, and Jackie, who grew up by her side.

Diane graduated from Buffalo High in 1961 and pursued post-secondary education first at Chadron, NE, and then at Eastern MT College at Billings, where she eventually graduated with a BA in Elementary Ed. Although this was a great accomplishment for Diane, her life changed dramatically for the better early on in college when she met the handsome, blue-eyed love of her life, Richard (Dick) Hansen.

Dick and Diane were the definition of love at first sight. They dated for 4 weeks and were married 2 weeks later on April 17, 1965, in Buffalo. Dick and Diane celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past April.

After Diane graduated college, Dick was deployed to Vietnam. At home, Diane taught school in Casper, WY, the two were reunited when Dick’s overseas duties ended, and then they lived in Virginia for a year. There they welcomed their first daughter Kara and promptly moved back and made their home on the Hansen family farm in Bainville, MT.

In Montana, Diane found her new challenge, learning the ropes of being a farm wife, and she was blessed with the perfect teacher in her mother-in-law, Margie Hansen. Son Christopher made his appearance in 1971, and Daughter Kimberly completed their family in 1976. Dick and Diane worked side by side for many years, loving their life together as the best parents and giving their children a loving foundation on the Hansen farm and ranch.

As her children grew up, Diane found herself with more time and returned to the classroom, but not before she earned her school librarian endorsement from Minot State. She worked for the Bainville School for 19 years as an elementary teacher and operated the library. She retired in 2003.

Diane lived a full life, with family as her foundation, but her cornerstone was her faith. Diane loved and served the Lord and eventually became a Lay Minister in June of 2011.

Diane was also an independent, spunky woman with many interests and a quiet, quick witty way in conversation. She was an avid reader and a fiercely competitive card player, she loved music and singing, she was a great cook and baker (just ask Dick), and she was so creative. She was a Sunday School teacher, where she wrote and directed many Christmas programs for the First English Lutheran Church of Bainville.

Later in life, Dick and Diane found time to travel. Diane loved history, and she and Dick visited 49 states together. They golfed often and spent some winter months in Lake Havasu with Jan, Liana, and Cherie, yet always made it back in time for the District Basketball Tournament. Grandma Diane had found another passion—her grandkids. She had 10 of them, all who were so precious to her, and she cherished the time she could spend with them, at home and in Laurel, in the bleachers and on the sidelines. She and Dick were their biggest fans.

Diane was a member of the 1st English Lutheran Church, WELCA, the Bainville Homemakers and Community
Club.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Erma; her father, Tom; her brother, Dick; her mother-in-law, Margerie; her father-in-law, Axel; and many great friends and family members. She is survived by her loving husband, Dick; her children: Kara (William) Triplett of Lambert, MT; Christopher (Brandy) of Bainville, MT; and Kimberly (Devon) Davidson of Laurel, MT; along with her 10 grandchildren and their spouses, and her very close Cash Cousins, Sue Meyers and Ginger Curuchet.

Diane was a bright shining light in the lives of many: her family, friends, students, and community. We love you and miss you, Diane/Mom/Grandma, but we know you are healthy and happy in heaven, watching over all us and cheering us on, until we meet again!

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Diane may be sent to Bainville Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 58, Bainville, MT 59212 or to the Roosevelt Medical Center, 818 2nd Ave E, Culbertson, MT 59218.

Memorial Contribution