Mary Diane (Valentine) Metheny

Mary Diane Valentine Metheny died on Wednesday, May 27 from complications from her lengthy battle with primary progressive aphasia at the age of 87 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Diane was a 1956 graduate of Sullivan High School and a 1959 graduate of Indiana State Teachers College. She married the love of her life, Harold Metheny, on December 22, 1957. 

Diane may have been small in stature but her persona was a force of strength and passion. She was fierce and fiery in her approach to life and those she loved. She was the ultimate “girl mom,” teaching her daughters - by example -  the importance of hard work, integrity, love and laughter. She attended more sporting events than a mom should ever have to attend and could often be found pacing near concession stands when a game got too close. She also let the referees know when she was not happy with their calls, quite loudly. She was extremely proud of everything her daughters did, both on the court and throughout their lives.

Diane was an extraordinary Mamaw to Maddie, Grace and Gavin. All three of her grandkids spent as much time at Mamaw’s house as they did their own. She showered them with love, attention and food, empowering them to be their best selves. She even took in a few stray dogs who loved her as well. 

Gavin loved running through the backyard to Mamaw’s in the early morning before school, wrapped only in his blanket and underwear, knowing she would be ready with bacon and eggs.

Grace loved when Mamaw would make popcorn with an extra portion of butter and parmesan. But the best part is licking up the delicious remnants at the bottom of the bowl with their fingers. 

Maddie loved cooking with Mamaw. Whether it was breakfast in the morning, after school snacks, or family gatherings, she provided Maddie with the passion for cooking as a love language. 

Diane’s capacity for loving others was infinite, but it was obvious to all that the one she loved the most was Harold. They were married for 68 years, although Harold thinks of them together for 74 years, knowing he wanted to marry her when he fell in love. Their love for one another was evident to all who were lucky to witness it. While both were children of Southern Indiana coal miners, Diane was a true “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Just one connection they shared, which helped them become the epitome of loving “Through the Years.” It was rare to mention one without the other. They were inseparable. They were always “Harold and Diane.”

Diane loved large gatherings and those lucky enough to be a part of them enjoyed the best noodles and sweet treats, such as her famous cinnamon rolls and homemade pies and the platter of assorted cookies she made for family, friends, and teachers at the holidays. Everything was homemade with love and a dash of this or that. The Metheny home was the place to be when the girls were in high school and Diane was known for her infinite patience for sleepovers…until 3 am when she would march through the house, announcing “ok girls, the party is over.” She fed any and all of the girls’ friends who gathered at the Metheny home -  Birthday surprises, State Championship celebrations, and graduation parties. She even hosted both the Boy’s and Girl’s Indiana All Star teams because she thought they needed a homemade dinner.       

Diane’s uncommon intelligence led to a stellar career at Indiana Central University/UIndy. After earning her Master of Arts in History in 1970, she taught evening classes for the department before moving into the role as Placement Director for Career Services. She then became the University’s registrar until 2000, leaving her indelible mark on the University as an Instructor of History Emerita and Registrar. She mentored students in all of her positions, guiding them through the academic process with kindness and empathy for every story she encountered. UIndy faculty and staff revered her intelligence and commitment in every role she held, and the stories they continue to share about Diane remain a lasting comfort to her family.

While she (and her family) were proud of her career, it was her love and care for others that will be most remembered. Diane had a remarkable gift for caring for others, offering kindness and support freely to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She loved all of her nieces and nephews and anyone else’s children who just needed another mother in their lives. As much as the other joys in life, Diane became an avid traveler with Harold, making their way across the world. Inspired by the Rick Steves Europe Through the Backdoor tours, Diane and Harold, along with her siblings and their spouses, traversed the small towns and the big cities in Europe, with a special fondness for Nice (France) Aberystyth (Wales), Sorrento (Italy), and of course, Paris (France). If their children were involved, they soaked up the beauty of Kauai, with Diane loving the sea turtles the most. 

Diane was a mom to many and a fierce advocate for all. She wasn’t afraid of arguing with a politician who stood on the wrong side of history and she always stood up for and with those she loved. She was a woman of strong faith and she believed that love was more important than anything. She leaves a formidable hole but her example remains forever in those she loved.

She was born in Sullivan, Indiana on August 4, 1938 to parents Joe R Valentine and Elsie Laper Valentine. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Rex, Jack and Joe and her sisters, Phyllis and Carol. She is survived by her husband, Harold, her daughters Amy (Cathy), Krista and Rachel (Tammy) and her grandchildren Madison, Grace and Gavin. 

Visitation will be Thursday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life following at Meridian Street United Methodist Church (5500 N. Meridian Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208). Reverend Michael Mather officiating. Meridian Street Church for more information. Cremation handled by Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to UIndy’s Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences, specifically to the Department of History and Political Science or the Department of English, knowing Diane revered both of those departments during her tenure there: Give To UIndy

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