Diane Gil, born a leap year baby in 1940, in Salinas, CA passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025 surrounded by family and close friends, at the age of 85.

After graduating from Palma High School, Diane attended Hartnell College where she met her first husband, Ed Schmidt. Together they raised three children on their ranch in Soledad, CA. They were married until his passing in 1979.

Diane married her second husband Joe Gil Jr. in 1988. After residing in Sunnyvale, CA they enjoyed many years retired in Mi Wuk Village, CA. She and Joe enjoyed 30 years together until his passing in 2017.

Diane was very active in service to her community. She held many leadership roles in many organizations including: California Young Homemakers, Monterey Kidney Machine Drive, American Cancer Society Drive, PTA, 4-H, AFS, Mi-Wuk Fire District Auxiliary, All Saints Ladies' Guild, Sonora Foothills Woman's Club, Sonora Hills Retirement Community, among many others.

She joined the Catholic organization Young Ladies Institute (YLI) in 1963. Proud of and fulfilled by her leadership roles, she held many offices including Grand President.

Diane deeply valued the cherished connections she shared with others. She developed profound and meaningful bonds lasting throughout her lifetime.

Diane Gil was preceded in death by her husbands, Ed Schmidt and Joe Gil Jr., as well as her brother Monsignor Wayne Hayes. She is survived by her sister Patricia Lumsden, her children Jeanine, Ed and Tim Schmidt, her daughters-in-law Jane and Jennifer Schmidt, niece Kristin Lumsden, nephew Dave Williams, grand niece Zoe Williams, adopted daughter Regina Ribeiro, adopted son Renato Ribeiro, grandson Eddie Schmidt and adopted granddaughter Isabella Ribeiro.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday April 10, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 15 Railroad Avenue, Spreckels, CA 93962 followed by a luncheon reception in the church social hall.

The service will be Live Streamed on St. Joseph's website, and the recording will also be available for a short time to view on St. Joseph's website after the service.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Salinas Valley Tribune from Apr. 7 to Apr. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Diane Gil

Sponsored by Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel.

4 Entries

Deanne Brown

April 14, 2025

I´m sad to hear of Diane´s passing. Diane and my Mom met in Mi-Wuk and were "besties" for many years. Diane was such a lovely woman, and a blessing and a great friend to my Mom, and all of us. She will be missed so much. Blessings to Diane´s family from Shalene Beacom´s family.

Gail henry lavelle

April 13, 2025

I'm so sorry to hear of Diane,'s passing. I have so many fond memories of being at the ranch in soledad. She was my cooking instructor in 4-h. Rest in peace

Shawn K. Hall

April 10, 2025

I miss you, Diane! I loved talking with you. I feel like I know your entire extended (and adopted) family as much as we talked and laughed. :)

Diane was born on a leap year so officially only had her "21st birthday" at the ripe age of 84. Last year when she celebrated her 21st birthday I called her and asked if she wanted to go out to the bar now that she was finally "legal." We both laughed for what felt like 20 minutes (I just checked my call history - it was actually 21 minutes). I think about that conversation more often than I probably should. A good laugh is the best medicine. Until we see each other again, I'll keep giggling. May God be with you.

((( Hugs )))

Lisa Gabrielson

April 8, 2025

Diane was always kind to me whenever I would see her at our YLI meetings. She had the most beautiful blue eyes and was enjoyable to talk with. She will be missed. May she rest in heavenly peace.

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