Diana Stecker Slagle
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Diana Stecker (Palmer) Slagle, who passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 78. Diana was born on October 30, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, to Leroy Earl Stecker and Eleanor Ruth (Hay) Stecker. She lived a life full of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.
As a child, Diana’s spirited personality shone brightly. She had a passion for ballet, violin, horses, and Girl Scouts. At the tender age of 5, Diana traveled to Japan with her mother to join her father who was stationed there as a Navy Chief Quartermaster. The family spent two years in Japan, where Diana enjoyed the culture, making lifelong memories and forming a bond with the local children who were fascinated by her golden blonde hair and resemblance to Shirley Temple.
The Stecker family settled in Santa Barbara, where Diana’s life truly flourished. She was a cherished older sister to her brother, Skip, and formed a lasting connection with her best friend, Colette Fischer, whom she met in elementary school. Their friendship endured through the decades.
A true beauty both inside and out, Diana was known for her kindness, grace, and vibrant spirit. She attended La Cumbre Junior High and Santa Barbara High School, where she was popular, had a great sense of style, and was crowned Spring Queen in her senior year of high school. Diana married her high school sweetheart, Charlie Palmer, and together they raised two children, whom she adored with all her heart.
As her children grew older, Diana returned to the workforce, where she spent 25 years with the City of Santa Barbara as the Waterfront Parking Supervisor. In this role, she oversaw a large budget and managed over 60 employees, demonstrating her strong leadership and dedication to the job. Diana was known for her professionalism, compassion, and reliability, both at work and in her personal life. Beyond her career, Diana had a zest for life. She loved to travel, and went on many trips with her mother, family, and friends, including an amazing 21-day Mediterranean cruise with her second husband, Brian Slagle. Diana and Brian enjoyed many adventures together over the years, including car shows, concerts, movies, and travel.
Diana cared deeply for those around her, and her kindness, compassion, and loyalty will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, and will forever be in our hearts. Her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Diana is survived by her husband, Brian Slagle of Santa Barbara; her children, John (Yvonne) Palmer of Henderson, NV, and Dawn (Micah) Brown of Highlands Ranch, CO; her brother, Jeffrey John “Skip” Stecker of Santa Barbara; and three wonderful grandchildren, Ashley, Alaina, and Andrew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Eleanor Stecker.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 19th, on a private 2-hour memorial cruise on the Double Dolphin catamaran. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethany Congregational Church in Diana’s memory.
