Diane Lillian Sheridan, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home on May 21, 2024, after a seven-year battle with Interstitial Lung Disease. Born on November 8, 1943, in Helena, Montana, to Dean and Lillian Bailey, Diane spent her early years in Helena before moving to Missoula with her family, before her 10th grade year. At Missoula County High School, she thrived in various activities, including the Spartanaires Choir, Pep Club, Student Council, Trampoline Team, and the Twirlers.
In 1962, shortly after graduating from high school, Diane met Max Philip “Phil” Sheridan at the Volkswagen dealership where they both worked. The two quickly fell in love and married on December 29, 1962, in Missoula. The couple spent the initial months of their marriage in Texas, where Phil attended helicopter flight school in the Army, before returning to Missoula to raise their family.
Diane was active in her community, participating in the Garden Club and the Women’s Club. Her professional life included roles as a dental assistant, interior wallpaper decorator with her sister-in-law Jeannie Bray, and a secretary at Community Home Oxygen. However, her most cherished role was raising her children and grandchildren.
Diane and Phil were blessed with three sons and one daughter, whom they supported passionately through their academic and athletic endeavors. They attended countless games and events, cheering on their children and grandchildren. Go Griz! Go Cats!
Golf was another shared passion for Diane and Phil, they enjoyed many years of golfing at The Highlands Golf Club and The Missoula Country Club. At the MCC Diane formed lasting friendships with “The Bridge Club” ladies and continued to play bridge well into her 80th year. The joy and camaraderie she found in these friendships were a source of great happiness.
Diane shared a special bond with her sister Linda. They enjoyed many evenings together, sharing wine, laughter and good times on the patio until sunset. Linda’s companionship was a constant source of comfort and joy.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents: Dean and Lillian Bailey; her brother, Ken Bailey; and her sister, Kaye Smith.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Max Philip Sheridan; her beloved sister, Linda Schild; her children: Toney (Jamie) Sheridan, Tad (Jaclyn) Sheridan, Matt (DeAnn) Sheridan, and Melissa “Missi” (Brad) Nordberg; Stephanie (Josh) Harris; her grandchildren: Tosh (Danielle), Cody, Trevor (Aimee), Taylor (Kristyn), Cole, Ciara, Kobe, Kaden, Derek (Keegan), Dylan, and Maximus; and several great-grandchildren.
A private celebration of life for Diane, the matriarch of our family, will be held this summer.
Condolences may be left for the family at gardencityfh.com.
