Diane Chesley Cook

Diane Chesley Cook, 80, passed away on February 19, 2026, at her home in Mesa, Arizona, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family.

Diane was born November 4, 1945, in Mesa, Arizona, to Lamar Perkins and Ruthe Perkins. She grew up with resilience, independence, and a spirit that carried her through every season of life.

At just 15 years old, Diane married Bill Chesley Jr. The young couple began their life together in St. George, Utah, where Bill played football for Dixie College. Diane became a mother of two by the age of 16, stepping into the role with strength, determination, and deep love. She was the mother of five children and built her life around caring for and supporting her family.

Later in life, Diane married Don Cook, with whom she shared companionship, friendship, and many meaningful years. Diane was a devoted mother to Kathleen Chesley Hubbard (Robert Hubbard), Jody Chesley Augustin (Kurt Augustin), Maren Chesley Noble (Paul Noble), Loren Chesley (Julie Goodman Chesley), and her youngest daughter, Elisabeth Faith Chesley Ketron, whose passing in 2020 remained tenderly held in Diane’s heart. She also cherished her stepchildren Marlo Cook, Jason Cook, and Jimmy Cook.

She is survived by her brother Gary Perkins (Kathy Perkins) and her sister Karen (Perkins) Shill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar and Ruthe Perkins; her brother Norman Perkins; her husband Bill Chesley Jr.; and her beloved youngest daughter, Elisabeth Faith Ketron.

Her greatest joy was her family. Diane was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. She celebrated their lives, laughed with them often, and loved them fiercely.

Diane dedicated her professional life to public service through the Arizona court system, including work connected with the Arizona Supreme Court. In her final role before retirement, she authored procedure manuals used across the state — a reflection of her diligence, intelligence, and commitment to helping others. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Diane lived with an eternal perspective of family. Her testimony shaped how she loved, served, and endured. She dedicated herself to service and showed Christlike love through the many callings she fulfilled, quietly blessing the lives of those around her. She loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. Diane’s wit, honesty, and authenticity made people feel comfortable being themselves. Her strength was unmistakable, but so was her warmth.

In her final days, she spoke often about grace — reminding her family that we all make mistakes and that she was holding tightly to the grace that comes from a loving Heavenly Father. She smiled until the end. Diane will be remembered for her resilience, humor, devotion to family, faith, and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Viewing will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 N 24th St, Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Mesa Cemetery. A luncheon for close family and friends will be held at 1:00 p.m.

Diane will be deeply missed, gratefully remembered, and forever loved.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.