Obituary of Diane W. Oyler

Diane Williams Oyler, 87, of State College died at home early Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Born July 12, 1929 in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest daughter of Hazel Kemberlin and Carl H. Williams. She graduated from Roaring Spring High School in 1947. Diane attended Dickinson College, where she met her life's love, the late Eugene Milton Oyler, and they were married on the day they both graduated from Dickinson on June 3, 1951. A born educator, Diane, after raising her family, returned to teaching in 1971. For many years she taught at Park Forest Elementary School and wrote curricula to open students' minds -- which she believed an essential mission -- through combination of history, geography, literature and culture. She will be remembered by her students for her love of teaching and her creative Halloween costumes (including a Ninja Turtle and a Fir Tree). She retired from the State College school district in 1996. She loved seeing former students and their families around town. Diane was a compassionate and understanding parent to her loving family: son Greg (of Bethesda), with his wife Evey, and daughter Lily; and the twins (both of State College) -- Brenda, with husband Mi A, and daughters Juliana and Briana; and Ted, with wife Jennifer, son Trey and daughter Linlee. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene in 2010 and son Brian in 1999. She is also survived by her eldest sister Betty Jean Hoover, and three generations of nieces and nephews. A lifelong Methodist, Diane strove to live a life of Christian love and service, and for decades was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving in many different capacities. She was a passionate bridge player, participating in three different groups, a prolific knitter, knitting hundreds of baby sweaters and prayer shawls, an enthusiastic sports participant and fan, particularly of the Lady Lions basketball, Penn State Football, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, a fearless advocate of social justice, and an engaged and concerned follower of public affairs and a student to the end. She loved to travel with Gene and her siblings and their spouses. She was a devoted and loyal friend. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 3, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, Pa. 16801; or to Dickinson College, the Oyler Family Fund for Counseling Services, Office of College Advancement, PO Box 1773, Carlisle, Pa. 17013. Friends wishing to do something in Diane's memory might follow her example and make a contribution to a student in need. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.