Diane Edith Burbank of Helena, Montana, passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 75. Diane was born on October 25, 1950, in Conrad, Montana, to Vernon and Lois Carlson. She spent her childhood in the Conrad and Shelby areas and graduated from Shelby High School in 1969.
After high school, Diane completed a secretarial course at Great Falls Commercial College and later attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where she met her husband, John. The two were married in 1971,welcomed five children, and shared 44 years together.
Diane began both her family life and her 30-year career with the Montana Department of Transportation in Great Falls/Black Eagle. Her work with MDT later took the family to Kalispell and eventually to Helena, where she retired in 2012.
An avid reader, Diane had a deep love of books. She spent many hours sharing that passion with her children and grandchildren, often visiting the Lewis & Clark Public Library before building an extensive collection of her own. When she wasn’t reading, she enjoyed watching Masterpiece Theatre on PBS and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her favorite teams, the Boston Celtics and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Diane’s grandchildren had her whole heart, and time spent with them brought her immense joy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her sons, Joshua and Daniel Burbank; her parents, Lois and Vernon Carlson; and her brother-in-law, Cullen Meyer.
Diane is survived by her daughters, Amanda (Aeron) Walton and their daughters, Elise and Cara; Jessica Burbank; and Sarah (Justin) Steinmetz and their children, Danielle, Eisley, and Holden; as well as her brother, Lyn (Linda) Carlson; and her sisters, Lorna Meyer and Susan (Roland) Sweatman.
Diane was a devoted and loving woman who sacrificed greatly for her family and unwaveringly supported her children. Kind, accepting, and generous, she was known for her sharp wit and quiet sense of humor. Her strength, love, and steady presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewis & Clark Public Library or Montana PBS.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00am
Saturday April 25, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 25, 2026
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00am
Saturday April 25, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 25, 2026
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Patti Borsberry says
My sympathy to her loved ones. I worked with Diane at the Department of Transportation for many years. She was fairly quiet and always kind to me. I can see her smile as I write this. I pray for her peace and comfort.
Patti Borsberry
Chris Halcro says
Sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. We enjoyed visiting with her when we could. We know you’ll miss her greatly.
Kim Buell Clouse says
Diane has been my neighbor and close friend for many years. She was kind and smart and genuinely caring for others. I always enjoyed visiting and catching up on latest happenings in each of our lives. I miss her terribly but know she is at peace now and hope she can reunite with loved ones lost. I am reminded of her grace and her good will daily. She will be forever in my heart.
David Schnittgen says
So sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. We worked together at MDT for almost 20 years ago. She was one of my favorite and most trusted co-workers.
Sally Russell says
Sorry to see this. I worked with Diane at the Department of Transportation and always enjoyed her. RIP sweet lady.
Debbie Hermes says
Sarah, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.