Obituary of Elmer and Diana England
In 1951, Elmer Ray England, a young man from Oklahoma, had come west to California to begin a new life for himself. He would meet Diana Louise Rankin, a beautiful young lady living in the small town of Nevada City. Their hearts were knit together on their very first date and in the spring of 1953, on May 10th they would begin a life together as husband and wife that would span the next 70 years.
On May 10th, 2023 Elmer and Diana celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. It was a joyous milestone for them, one which is rarely achieved by married couples. On October 7th, 2023 Diana finished her earthy life and was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her beloved husband Elmer would join her on January 8th, 2024.
The hope and promise of their faith in Jesus Christ, has been made sure. Today they are together again, enjoying their heavenly reward, in the presence of their God;
“Well done good and faithful servant - enter into the joy of your master” Matthew 25:23
Diana was born on July 16th, 1933 in San Francisco, California to John and Louise Rankin. Elmer was born on November 29th, 1933 in Royal, Arkansas to Odis and Hattie England. After getting married, children soon followed, and the England family would officially begin.
Elmer and Diana would become parents of four boys, John, David, Jim, and Dan and their one daughter Suzy. In the later years of their lives, they would become loving grandparents and great-grandparents. Family was the essence of everything Elmer and Diana lived for. It was the foundation of who they were as a couple. The legacy they have left behind, is a shining example of love, faith, and commitment for generations to come.
Both Elmer and Diana had their own deep and personal relationships with God, based on their faith in Jesus Christ. They lived out their faith in a quiet, but powerful ways. They introduced their children to the truth of God’s love and plan of salvation and modeled that to them over the course of their entire lives. They would serve as active members of their communities and local churches. Both of their lives were a wonderful testimony of their love for God, one another, their family, and friends.
They are missed by all those they have left behind. In the midst of the sorrow, their family and friends rejoice knowing that Elmer and Diana are enjoying eternal life together in the presence of their God and savior. For them both, the words of Paul ring so true;
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” II Timothy 4: 6-8
A joint memorial service is planned for Tuesday March 5th, at 10am at Eastside Christian Church at 2075 E. Warm Springs road in Las Vegas.
Memorial gifts in Elmer and Diana’s honor may be made to either Our Daily Bread ministries in Grand Rapids, MI, or the Salvation Army of Las Vegas.