Diane Ruth (Billing) Bradley 78

Diane Ruth (Billing) Bradley (78) passed away June 30, 2026 at her home in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.  

Diane was born in Crookston MN on December 19,1947 to Rudolf Billing and Ruth (Balstad) Billing. She was the youngest of eight children. She graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1965. 

After high school, she attended Hibbing Technical College and completed training as a Medical Technologist. 

In 1967, while working in the laboratory at Bethania Hospital in Wichita Falls TX, Diane met Army Sgt. Calvin Bradley who was stationed in Texas. Calvin and Diane married on July 7, 1967, in Beltrami MN.   In 1969 at Thief River Falls MN., Diane gave birth to twin daughters, Pamela and Patricia.

In 1973 the family moved to Dalton Gardens Idaho.   In 1974, son Brian was born. 

Diane continued to work in the medical field for various doctor’s offices and clinics.  She was especially fond of her employment with Dr Gumprecht in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.  Diane would work for Newport Hospital for the final years of her career.   After retiring from Newport Hospital, she went on to work another 6 years with her husband Calvin as his personal construction helper. They traveled the northwest as subcontractors doing finish carpenter workuntil Calvin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2009. 

In 2011 Diane reconnected with a high school friend, Don Feken, and they became partners until her death. 

Diane enjoyed baking, gardening and camping. She often helped her children as a “nanny” to their children when needed. This helped develop deep bonds between her and her grandchildren. 

Diane was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene Idaho and volunteered for AARP during tax season. 

Diane was preceded in death by her husband Calvin in 2009, her parents, and siblings Orlen, Gene, Sherm, Darrel, Bonnie, and Verla. 

Diane is survived by sister Sheryl Cariveau of East Grand Forks MN. Companion Don Feken, Daughter Pamela Butcher (Joel), Dalton Gardens, grandchildren Aaron, Jacob, and Noah and great grandchildren Kayden, Calvin, and Iris.  Daughter Patricia Gardner (Mike) Post Falls,grandchild Colton, great grandchildren Killian and Kade.  Son Brian (Becky), Coeur d’Alene,grandchildren Tristen, Tanner, Tori, and Tawnie, and great grandchild Carson.   

Diane will be laid to rest beside Calvin at Fairview Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Beltrami, Minnesota. There will be a celebration of life July 25 at Cal and Diane's river property on the Coeur d'Alene River.