Diane Rae Kidwell's Obituary
Diane Rae Kidwell, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, went home to be with our Lord on March 4, 2025. She was born on April 14, 1945, in Washington, D.C., to Robert Alvin Baker and Marion Lucille Brackett Baker. Diane was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Judith Alden Ireland and Doris Adelyn Stevens, whom she loved and missed when they passed but whom she is now reunited and rejoicing with in heaven.
Diane is survived by the love of her life; her faithful husband of 56 years, Charles Wayne Kidwell; her devoted daughter, Dawn Marie Miller and her husband, Roger Wayne Miller, Jr.; her son, Robert Norman Kidwell and his wife, Jennifer Kidwell; and her two beloved grandchildren, Rowan Alden Miller and April Elizabeth Miller. She leaves behind a family who will always remember that they were her greatest joy, and her love, loyalty, support and dedication for them was boundless.
Diane spent much of her professional life at the David Taylor Naval Research and Development Center, where she worked as a secretary to several Commanders. Despite her career, she prioritized her family, taking summers off to stay at home with her children. After retiring, Diane and her husband, Wayne, ran a successful antiques and collectibles business, which brought her many lifelong friendships.
Anyone who knew Diane well knew her profound love for animals, particularly dogs. She was a passionate supporter of rescue organizations, and many of her beloved fur babies were adopted through rescues.
Above all, Diane’s love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of her life. She shared this love in small but powerful ways, such as leaving Bible tracts with restaurant server’s tips, and tucking them in with her famous banana bread that her husband faithfully delivered each Christmas to neighbors, friends and family.
More than anything, Diane would want everyone to know and have a personal relationship with Jesus as their Savior. Her favorite Bible verse is “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV, and more recently she really loved; “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
A graveside service will be held at Hillsboro Cemetery on March 12, 2025, at 1:00pm in Hillsboro, Virginia.
All who knew and loved Diane are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Diane’s honor to Lucky Dog Rescue, Arlington, Virginia.
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