AMES, Iowa—Diana Clara Glidden, 84, of Ames, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Northridge Village in Ames. Cremation has taken place.

Diana was born February 16, 1940, in Goodell, Iowa, the daughter of LaVern and Sena (Christians) Christensen. She graduated from Ventura High School in Ventura, Iowa.

Diana was united in marriage to Robert Glidden on April 8, 1961. They later divorced.

Diana attended and graduated from La James College of Cosmetology in Mason City, Iowa. She owned Diana’s Beauty Nook in Ventura for many years. After retiring from cosmetology, Diana managed Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery in Ames, for over 25 years. She was well-known throughout the area for her beautiful and creative wedding and birthday cakes.

In 2008, Diana met Bud Whillock, the love of her life. Together they traveled extensively, visiting several states, including Hawaii, Alaska and Ireland. They enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with Bud’s family and friends. Diana and Bud could be found spending evenings sipping wine and enjoying the views from their deck on the Mississippi River in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVern and Sena Christensen; and a sister, Terri Sue Christensen.

Diana is survived by her daughter, Terri (Denny) Van Hemert of Ogden; son, Jeff (Kitty) Glidden of Thayne, Wyoming; granddaughters, Courtney (Travis) Van Lengen of Boone and Caitlyn (Mike) Carley of Ankeny; great-grandchildren, Myla Van Lengen, Ryley Van Lengen, and Kai Carley; brother, Kenton Christensen of Hibbing, Minnesota; and partner, Bud Whillock of Trempealeau, Wisconsin.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Garner, Iowa.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Diana’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com

Diana Glidden, 84, Ames, Iowa