Diane Frances Baker

It is with much sadness that the family of Diane Frances (Olson) Baker announces her passing after a long battle with cancer. 

Diane was born in Winslow Arizona in 1946. Her parents relocated to Albuquerque New Mexico in 1947. She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Lauretta Olson and her brother Chester Jr. Diane is survived by her husband of thirty years, David Baker, son Chad William Luna, Sister Sandi Hultgren of Glendale Arizona, Sister Barbara Spitz and husband Terry of Albuquerque, and several nieces and nephews. 

Known to many as Diane Cole, for much of her employment, Diane worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico for over thirty years. She retired in 2006 having established many cherished friendships with fellow employees. While at BCBS, Diane was as a 1982 Mike Cawood Award recipient in recognition of her outstanding contributions to BCBS. Diane was also a co-founder of ‘Blue Stars’, a fellow employee annual dinner get-together social group consisting of BCBS staff having fifteen or greater years of service. Post retirement connection with BCBS continued through 2018 wherein she supported BCBS Federal Employee Program Marketing during their annual open enrollment season – throughout the state of New Mexico and southwest Texas. 

Diane also leaves behind her beloved Valley High School class of 1964. She was an active member of the class reunion committee until 2018. 

Her friendships, love of travel and life in New Mexico, were the heart and soul of her being. Diane will be missed by those who came to know her for her optimistic outlook on life.