Diana Jane Schulz

Diana Jane Schulz, loving mother, grandmother, and devoted wife, passed away peacefully at age 87 on Sunday December 22, 2024, in Tulsa, OK after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Services are scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Highland Heights United Methodist Church with Pasto Richard “Captain” McIlany officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the care of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Diana was born in Perry, OK on June 9, 1937, to Raymond and Elsie Taylor. The family moved to Hobart, OK where the family ran Sanitary Cleaners, and she spent her formative years. 

During her school years, Diana was FHA President, member of Glee Club, cheer squad, and TeenTown council. In addition, she was a member of the Methodist Church, including Methodist Youth Fellowship, serving as acolyte and helping serve communion. Because of her participation in so many functions, Diana was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution trophy for outstanding citizenship, Hobart High All Around Girl, and the Danforth Award which was awarded to students who exhibited strong character and leadership potential. 

After graduation in 1955, Diana spent a brief time at the University of Oklahoma before moving to the YWCA in downtown Oklahoma City and attending Hill’s business school, walking to school every day in high heels. 

In September 1959, Diana married Denzle Schulz, and the newlyweds lived in Stillwater while Denzle finished his agronomy degree at OSU. Following his graduation, Denzle began his career in the USDA while Diana started her career as a homemaker, giving birth to Mark in Guthrie in January 1962 and Mike in Cheyenne in March 1964. After moving to Altus in the summer of 1967, the boys began their formative school years and Diana’s role as mother kicked into high gear, ensuring the boys had table manners, exquisite handmade Halloween costumes, and fabulous birthday parties. 

In the late 70’s, close family friend Sandy McIlnay urged Diana to enter the real estate arena. With Diana’s magnetic personality and unmatched work ethic, sales records were in her future. For several years, Diana sold over a million dollars’ worth of real estate back when houses were cheaper than today’s pickups. At this point Diana decided she needed a challenge. She enrolled at OSU and at age 49 graduated with honors with a BA in Interior Design. The grit it took to go back to college at that age was remarkable. Denzle probably bore the brunt of this challenge as he couldn’t boil water without calling Diana first, as she was quick to remind everyone. Diana spent the remainder of her working years at Bartlett Insurance Agency, where the first thing you noticed besides her bright smile was the redesigned office she coordinated using her interior design skills. Despite her brief period at OU, Diana was quick to tell everyone that she bled Orange. Because of her kitchen acumen, she was recruited by the OSU Posse Club to make chocolate chip cookies for the annual Cowboy Caravan. The Altus stop was regarded as the favorite amongst the OSU Athletic department staff, and it brought Diana immense pride and joy to contribute every year. 

Diana will always be remembered for her quick wit, engaging personality, and indomitable spirit. She was also famous for always having a little toy poodle by her side, being a magnificent cook and a world class cinnamon roll and chocolate pie maker. 

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Denzle. She is survived by her children, Mark (Colleen) Schulz and Mike (Reenie) Schulz; her brother, Bill (Eleanor) Taylor; her grandchildren, Hayley, Madison, Jaxon, Benjamin (Emily) Schulz, and Abby (Colton) Thornton; her great-grandchildren, Tillman, Ellie, William, and Eisenhower.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Alliance of Women for Alzheimer’s Research and Education by visiting AWAREOK.org. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.