March 19, 1935 - April 3, 2007

Diana H. Napper, a long time Woodland resident, retired Woodland school teacher, beloved wife, mother and friend to all in her community entered Life Eternal on April 3, 2007. Diana's love for teaching was expressed for more than 35 years in Woodland's private and public schools. When she went out in public her previous students would often express their appreciation of her and how their lives were changed by having been her student. Her classroom reflected her love of art, music and our country. She was truly a gifted and dedicated teacher.

As a member of the board of directors she worked with others at St. John's Retirement Village in guiding St. John's on its path to becoming a leader in providing for the needs of Yolo County's senior citizens. Diana's artistic gifts and warm personality were freely given to other organizations in Woodland such as WEA (Woodland Educators' Association), PTA of Whitehead Elementary and St. John's Church, where she has served on church boards. Gideons International was also an important part of the life she shared with her husband Jack. Above all, Diana had a servant's heart and a desire to make our community a better place to live.

Diana was born on March 19, 1935 in Banning CA., the first child of Manley and Agnes Holmes. Early in her life the family moved to Claremont, California, where she spent her school years, graduating from Claremont High School in 1953. In subsequent years she continued her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and Sacramento State University where she was awarded her Bachelor of Arts degree. She continued her education for the rest of her life, with graduate courses and other in-service seminars.

Diana possessed a deep Christian faith. As a teenager she accepted Jesus as her personal savior. Her faith in God was the primary motivation for the direction of her life. She was a living testimony to the love and forgiveness we all can receive. Her life was an example of God's grace.

Diana is survived by her husband, Jack Napper, four children, Curtis Brown of Rio Vista, Doug Brown of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Marty Brown of Antelope and Duffy Napper of Woodland. Also surviving are her sister, Frances Weigand of Pomona, two brothers, Stuart Holmes of Claremont, CA, and Fred Holmes of Truckee, CA. She was preceded in death by her brother Donald. Diana and Jack have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson, a host of nieces and nephews and a myriad of friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Church located at 432 Cleveland St., Woodland. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in remembrance of Diana to: Gideons International, P.O. Box 773, Woodland 95776; or St. John's Retirement Village, 135 Woodland Ave., Woodland 95695; or St. John's Church, 432 Cleveland St., Woodland 95695. McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

~ The Daily Democrat