Diane Atkins: Feb. 25, 1956-Oct. 13, 2026

On October 13, 2026, at the age of 70, Diane Marie (Santy) Atkins left a gentle imprint on our hearts and received her wings. Diane was born on February 25, 1956, in Regensburg, Germany to parents Marshall J. Santy and Beulah V. Santy. 

Diane lived in various locations but grew up mainly in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Burges High School, El Paso, Texas, 1973. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1978; Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Diane worked as a Registered Nurse for more than 35 years, and made a lasting impact on those who knew her. She was a proud service member of the United States Army, where she served for 8 years and reached the rank of Captain.

Diane lived a life defined by love, kindness, faith, and a deep devotion to family and friends. Whether through a warm smile, a helping hand or words of encouragement, she touched countless lives and left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Those who knew Diane will remember her for her generosity, sense of humor, strength, compassion, wisdom and resilience. She possessed a rare ability to make others feel valued, welcomed and deeply loved. Her caring spirit, gentle wisdom and enduring strength enriched the lives of many, and her legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Atkins was preceded in death by her loving parents Marshall Joseph Santy, Beulah Viola Parsons (Santy), and Don Parsons.

Diane is lovingly survived by her husband, Ronald Atkins and sister, Debbie (Santy) Benson, son, Brian Atkins and his wife Shannon Atkins and their daughters, Avery Rich, Kylie Atkins, and Ally Atkins, son, Bradley Atkins and his wife Erin Parker-Atkins and their children, Shelby Parker-Atkins, Atticus Parker-Atkins and Landyne Olive, along with countless other much-admired family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 5:00-7:00PM at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville located at 728 Jefferson, Kerrville, TX 78028. A brief ceremony by the Nightingale Nursing Honor Guard will be held at 5:15PM.  

Interment services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 at 2:00PM at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

Pallbearers include Steve Atkins, Randy Atkins, Taylor Atkins, Sean Atkins, Hunter Atkins, and Steve Whalen. Honorary pallbearers include Brian Atkins, Bradley Atkins, Jeremy Hollis, Mike Rodriguez, and Keaton Blackburn.

Condolences may be provided at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Johnny Grimes, John Onstott, and the rest of the staff of Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville, as well as the doctors and nurses of University Hospital, San Antonio. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Nightingale Nurse Honor Guard at https://nightingalehonorguard.com/donate.