On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Diane M. Kipp, 76, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories that will forever shape the lives of those who knew her.
Born on Aug. 4, 1948, in Toledo, Oregon, to John and Ruby Miltimore, Diane spent her youth with her parents and brothers in several locales throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Newport, Oregon; Grants Pass, Oregon; Burnaby, British Columbia; and Centralia, Washington, which she cherished as her hometown. After graduating from Centralia High School in 1966, she spent most of her adult life living and working in the Twin Cities.
Diane's first marriage to Ronald Zenkner brought her two beloved children, Dawn Renée and Darin. Following their separation, both Diane and Ron found fulfillment in new marriages, while continuing to nurture their shared love for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In 1977, Diane married the love of her life, Harold “Butch” Kipp. Together, they embodied a love that many dream of. Diane's free spirit and open heart complemented Butch's sense of humor and steadfastness beautifully. They created joy that spread throughout their community and in particular through their family, caring for their parents in their later years and helping to raise three generations.
Diane was forever learning and trying new things. This was demonstrated in her career path, which was varied and adventurous, with highlights at Yard Birds, Sunbirds, real estate, jewelry, Express Personnel and the Chehalis-Centralia Chamber of Commerce. She also earned a degree in accounting from Centralia College in the early 2000s, enjoyed attending lectures, reading historical and academic texts, and participating in other learning opportunities, all reflecting her approach to life as a journey of passion and discovery. She was a champion for those around her, celebrating their efforts and accomplishments with genuine enthusiasm. If you were excited about something or were approaching a new opportunity, you could count on her to be immensely proud of and happy for you.
Diane was a kind and gentle soul who could be fiercely determined when it came to looking out for her loved ones. Her spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, always greeting people with a warm smile and an open heart. Her ability to strike up friendly conversations in any setting was a testament to her warm and inclusive nature. She was a free spirit who embraced life with courage and joy.
Nature held a special place in Diane's heart. She found peace in tending to her garden, hiking through the woods or simply sitting quietly under the shade of a tree. Birds were her constant companions and symbols of freedom—she loved watching them soar through the skies, their songs bringing her comfort and happiness.
Diane is predeceased by her father, John Miltimore; her mother, Ruby (Johnston) Miltimore; her husband, Butch Kipp; and her older brother, Jim Miltimore. She is survived by her brothers, Steve (Becky) and Don Miltimore; her sister-in-law, Yoshiko Miltimore; her daughter, Dawn Clark; her son, Darin (Beth) Zenkner; her grandsons, Justin (Jenny) Zenkner, Keith Clark, Josh (Katie) Zenkner, Dakotah Zenkner and Ryan Kowal; her great-grandsons, Wayde, Logan, Rylan, Tavin and Daelyn; along with many beloved nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.
Diane will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, celebrated for her kindness that knew no bounds and her unyielding connection to the beauty of the world around her. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit and love.
Funeral: A private celebration in honor of Diane and Butch will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Diane’s memory by making your property habitable for native birds (visit the Washington Audubon Society’s website for more information: https://wa.audubon.org/bird-friendly-communities-1) and by engaging in your civic rights and responsibilities as a voter (find resources and information from the Washington Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections).
