Dianne Tarpley-Knight

Dianne Tarpley-Knight

After a courageous five year war with cancer, Dianne Tarpley-Knight lost the final battle at her home surrounded by family on March 20, 2014. She was born July 22, 1952 to Anna Belle and Herman Tarpley in Dothan, AL. She received her Master's Degree in Mathematics at Jacksonville State University (Alabama). After a short career as a teacher, she moved into the computer field, initially as a programmer for the Census Bureau. She later joined the Internal Revenue Service where she moved up from regional program manager to Computer Division Chief at the Atlanta Service Center. She was the acting assistant director of the Telecommunications Division in IRS Headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area. Her final assignment was as a senior manager, implementing a nationwide restructuring of IRS computer support, based in Ogden, UT. She retired with an early out offer in September, 2002.

On June 1, 1996, she married Byron Knight, at their home in Alpharetta, GA, in a double wedding ceremony with Byron's sister.

Oh what an adventuresome soul she was. If it had to do with the great outdoors she was in for it. Shortly after retirement, she and Byron spent two months sightseeing throughout Australia and New Zealand in small motorhomes. Upon return from that adventure, she and Byron picked up their new motorhome and spent almost 7 years traveling, full time, throughout this great country. Her goal was to see all the National Parks, one she accomplished. The most awesome adventure was in Lake Clark National Park where she was able to stand and observe wild grizzlies in an open meadow just 50 feet away. During her motorhome years, she travelled to all 49 states and across Canada. In 2010, she and Byron decided it was time to settle down and more fully enjoy the kids and grandkids in the Ogden area.

In addition to traveling, she enjoyed many outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking and even gardening. She loved to meet new people. Her Southern Charm won everyone over and many came to love her.

She is preceded in death by her mother, father and one sister. She is survived by her husband, Byron Knight, sisters Shirley (Jerry) McGinnis, Wellington, AL, and Martha (William) Knight, Anniston, AL. Although she had no children of her own, she absolutely and unconditionally loved her stepchildren, Stacy (Kevin) Mann of West Haven and Carrie (John) Anderson, Syracuse and Elly Marshall, Hove England and eleven grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Mansfield, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Gentiva Hospice for their caring and support.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014 at the Myers Ogden Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT. Friends may visit family Sunday, March 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Huntsman Cancer Institute. Dianne will be cremated and, wouldn't you know it, she wanted her remains to be scattered in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden
100 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
March 23, 2014
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServiceMyers Mortuary - Ogden
1875 Monroe Blvd
Ogden, Utah 84401
March 24, 2014
11:00 AM