Diana Jean Mele, 82, passed away peacefully in Tyler, Texas, on September 28, 2026.. She was born to Gene Hudson and Elaine Newton Hudson on April 24, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas.

Diana met the love of her life, Joseph Mele, in San Antonio in 1967, and the two were married in 1968. They shared many wonderful years together and raised a loving family. In 2010, Diana and Joseph moved to Quitman, Texas, from Bedford, Texas, where they had made their home since 1982.

Diana was a loving, big-hearted, and caring woman who had a special way of making others feel loved and cared for. She was a Christian whose faith was an important part of her life. She was also a homemaker who devoted herself to her family, but her caring nature extended far beyond her home. Over the years, she worked at Kelley Air Force Base, served as a church secretary, and assisted hospice nurses. Wherever she was needed, Diana was always willing to help. Diana also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, where she found great joy in visiting with those who received the meals. She took the time to visit and talk with the people she served. Her kindness and genuine concern for others made this volunteer work especially meaningful to her.

Diana had a deep and unconditional love for animals, especially horses. She was a passionate advocate for animal rescue shelters and spent much of her life supporting the welfare of animals. Her compassion for animals was simply a reflection of the caring heart she carried for all living things.

Diana also loved gardening and was a Master Gardener. She was a member of the Quitman Garden Club and took great pride and joy in tending to her flowers and garden. Her favorite flower was the iris. She enjoyed the beauty of nature and found happiness in the simple pleasures of watching things grow and flourish.

Throughout her life, Diana enjoyed many different activities. When she was younger, she could be found roller skating competitively. She was also a member of a bowling league and enjoyed camping. Above all, however, Diana cherished her family, her friends, her faith, and the animals she loved so dearly.

Diana was preceded in death by her father, Gene Hudson; her mother, Elaine Newton Wilcox; and her son, Jason Mele.

Those left to cherish and celebrate Diana’s life include her beloved husband, Joseph Mele of Quitman; her daughter, Karen Renfro and husband Douglas of Weatherford; her sons, Gavin Mele of Weatherford and Bryan Mele of Amarillo; her bonus sons, John McCormick and Craig O’Dell; daughter-in-law Joni Mele; grandchildren, Brooke Neville, Natalie Renfro, Alicia Mele, and Miranda Mele; great-granddaughter, Audrey Neville; along with numerous cousins, friends, and others whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Diana will be remembered for her generous heart, her gentle spirit, and her love of family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and caring that will continue through the many lives she touched.

A Graveside Service will be held on October 6, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Holders Chapel Cemetery in Cool, Texas. (501 Holders Chapel Road, Weatherford, Texas 76088).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diana’s favorite shelter, Hill Country Horse Rescue, P.O. Box 64032, Pipe Creek, Texas 78063, or to your local animal shelter.