Diane Buck Rowe-Gandre

Our beautiful, strong, elegant mother, wife, friend, and sister, Diane Buck Rowe-Gandre, passed away peacefully at her home in Cedar Hills, Utah on August 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. Born on September 5, 1942, in Ogden, Utah, to James Harold and Helen Zbinden Buck, Diane’s journey began on her parents' dairy farm in Taylor. It was there that she forged the resilient spirit and tireless work ethic that would define her life.

After graduating from Weber High School in 1960, nineteen-year-old Diane attended Utah State University. Her exceptional grace and competence soon led her across the country to serve as a secretary in the White House under President John F. Kennedy. It was there while attending the Washington D.C. church ward, she met her first husband, Del Barton Rowe, a Captain in the JAG Corps in the United States Air Force. They were married on December 20, 1963. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, adventure, and horseback riding in Bountiful, Utah, where they raised their five children from 1971 to 1997.

Diane filled her home with music as an incredible pianist and organist. She was a talented seamstress, baker, card shark, and Dr. Pepper Connoisseur, and passionate gardener. Diane loved the Lord and prioritized others, serving in many roles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, pouring into her Val Verda community as a long-time primary, young women’s, young adult, and Relief Society leader.

Diane was a lifelong learner, returning to college while having young children at home to earn her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and a teaching certificate from the University of Utah in 1970. Later, at fifty-three years old, she returned to the University of Utah to pursue a Master of Social Work, following years as a substance abuse counselor. As an LCSW for twenty years, Diane’s legacy was one of compassion and hope; she sat tenderly with countless individuals, couples, and families, guiding them through life’s hardest trials with a listening ear and an open heart. Her life was a testament to the power of transformation and the enduring beauty of a soul dedicated to others.

In 2008, she was called on a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and pioneered a new mental health initiative as a full-time Area Mental Health Missionary. She cared for and supported full-time missionaries in the US Northeast missions where she was adored and extended her mission multiple times.

In 2019, Diane met the love of her life, Brent Gandre. They have built a beautiful life together in Cedar Hills the last 7 years and we love Brent for his great love and care of our mother.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Helen, and brother Stan, son Kirk McKay, first husband Del.

She is survived by her husband, M. Brent Gandre, her children Robyn Walton (Dean), Holly Rowe, Kyndel Marcroft (Rob), April Felix (Mike), Daniel Rowe and grandchildren Britten, Rachel, Janie, Taylor, McKylin, Quinn, Brighton, Landen, Ashlyn, Camryn, Morgan, Logan, Chase, Emma, Nora and 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, her siblings Romney, Vellis, Thayne, Lana, Jan, and Shelly.

Diane’s “Celebration of Life” is on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at 10455 North Ironwood Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah.

The following week there will be a graveside service in Bountiful, Utah with close friends and family on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending this private graveside service, please contact the family for details.

In lieu of flowers we would like to invite you to make a donation to the JOY+US Foundation started by her daughter Holly, or to the Trauma Recovery EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs, stewarded by her daughter Kyndel, as we vow to keep her spirit of helping others alive.