Gloria Diane Pace Philp, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2019 after a 21 year battle with cancer and related illness. She was born December 17, 1936 to Heber J. and Oara Cluff Pace. She never liked the name Gloria; she preferred Diane. Diane was born and raised in Globe, Arizona and loved her hometown. Her family grew up with many fond memories there including enjoying the best Mexican food ever! Diane graduated from Globe High School in 1954 and went on to BYU where she received a degree in Secondary Education specializing in English. Immediately after graduation, Diane moved to Afton, Wyoming where she taught senior English for four years. She loved Star Valley and maintained the friendships she made there with faculty and students (continuing to grade their papers) the rest of her life. Diane left Star Valley and returned to Globe in 1961 where she met Larry Alfred Philp. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on June 22nd of 1963. Diane was very active in her church and community. She served as the Relief Society President, Primary President, and beloved Gospel Doctrine teacher, among her many other callings. She was a born teacher, writer, and scriptorian. She knew Jesus Christ and His teachings. She never failed to live His gospel and testify of Him. Truly, she loved the Lord and spent her life in His service.
The impact she had on the world was large and far-reaching yet deeply personal and intimate. Many who knew her still have personal letters and cards she sent using precise grammar, impeccable spelling, with cute stickers and hand drawn smiley faces! She used her talent for writing to touch souls and change lives.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her older sister Pat Grover (Dick), younger sister Drusa Smith (David), younger brother John Pace (Maryann), her husband of 56 years Larry Philp, step-daughter Dana Philp of Tampa, FL. daughter Diana Weight (Ryan) of Buckeye, AZ. and son Michael Philp (JodiAnn) of Provo, UT. Diane also leaves her 3 grandchildren Pace Weight (15), Bailey Philp (12), and Madison Rae Philp (8), and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing and family greeting will be held on Friday, November 29th from
6:00-8:00 PM at the Sundance Ward Chapel at 22487 W. Sundance Parkway South, Buckeye, AZ. A funeral will be held at the Rose Lane Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5033 N 38th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, on Saturday, November 30th at 10:00 AM. (a short viewing will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.) Following the funeral, interment will be at the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery at 23100 W. Broadway Rd. in Buckeye, Arizona at 1:00 PM. Bunker’s Garden Chapel handled the arrangements.
Our deepest condolences to the Philp family. “Aunt Diane” was always very kind and showed great interest in my life. She had a way of making me feel larger than life and was a mentor and friend. She is beloved by all and will be sorely missed.
With much love & sadness at her departure,
Dan & Judy Smith & family
Diane and I were colleagues in teaching at Star Valley high school. We spent a lot of time together visiting and walking up Swift Creek Canyon after school. She was a dear friend and I am happy she is now happy and free of pain. My love to the family😢🙏💜