Dianne Graves

Dianne was born in Petaluma in 1942. Her parents, Everett and Bette Mudgett, moved the family to San Jose when Dianne was 4 ½ years old. Dianne attended Pala Elementary and James Lick High School graduating in the class of 1959. During her younger years, Dianne was active in Camp Fire Girls which included a yearly 2 week summer camp. In the 7th and 8th grades, Dianne was a majorette and became very proficient in baton twirling. While in High School she was active in the drama club and performed in several plays.

Dianne married Ron, her husband of 59 years, in 1960. In 1966, Ron and Dianne moved their young family - son Chuck, and daughter Sharon - to Capitola, which would become their residence and the community she loved for the next 57 years.

As a young mother, Dianne was an active member of the Capitola Elementary PTA and a cub scout den mother. Dianne began her career working at the original Cooper House on the Pacific Garden Mall in Santa Cruz and Tim’s Pizza in Capitola before becoming a small business owner. Dianne had a lifelong love of books and opened a bookstore in Capitola village in 1973. During this time Dianne was an active member of the community and worked on Begonia Festival committees, spaghetti dinner fundraisers, firework fundraisers, and a storm damage fundraiser. For all her countless hours volunteering, she was awarded a Citizen of the Year Award in 1982 by the Capitola Chamber of Commerce. After closing her bookstore, Dianne spent the last part of her career working as the office manager at Dr. Benedict’s dental office in Scotts Valley. Dianne loved the arts and literature and was always on the lookout for the latest movie, play, musical, concert and other live performance to attend. Dianne enjoyed traveling with Ron and took trips to the Caribbean with friends Bill and Rita, trips to Hawaii with friends Dale and Janie, and annual vacations to Lake Alamanor with various family and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband Ron. Dianne leaves her son Chuck of Cottage Grove, OR, daughter Sharon of Santa Cruz, CA, granddaughter Kelsee of Cottage Grove, OR, brother Everett (Butch) of Capitola, CA, brother Brad of San Antonio, TX and numerous friends and acquaintances that knew and loved Dianne.

A private gathering of friends and family is planned. Charitable contributions honoring Dianne may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, O’Neill Sea Odyssey of Santa Cruz, or the Capitola Museum. Please click on the links below to donate.