February 10, 1937 – March 19, 2024
On March 19, 2024, Diane Alley Roach Swalin (87) of Friendswood, Texas, passed away peacefully at home with her beloved husband Richard Swalin at her side.
Diane was born February 10, 1937 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Elaine and John Alley. While in high school Diane competed on the golf team and went on to win the Arkansas state golf tournament. After high school, Diane attended the University of Texas, Austin earning a BA in English and Journalism and a Texas Teaching Certificate. She taught English and Latin at Friendswood HS, where her students affectionately referred to her as “Stalin Swalin”.
Diane will be remembered for her deep love of the Lord, family and the Astros. Diane was an enthusiastic collector of nutcrackers and jewelry. She enjoyed sharing her passion for Hawaii, traveling and being outdoors with family. Diane could find any occasion to throw a party and dance.
In typical Diane fashion, no formal service is planned. A celebration of life party will occur at a later date with details to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Diane Swalin’s name to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org ).
Diane is predeceased by her parents Elaine and John Alley and her daughter Lauri Johnston.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Swalin; children and spouses, John Roach (Dawn), Elaine Goddard (Tom), Monty Roach (Mimi), Keith Swalin (Paula), Terrell Dillon (Lance); grandchildren and spouses, Jordan Roach (Kerry), Benjamin Roach (Brittany), Emily Heald (Caleb), Heather Teran (Fransico), Christopher Johnston (Jessy), Brandon Goddard (Laura), Aly Barker (Matt), Angela Goddard, Izzy Goddard, Christian Goddard, Conner Roach, Ashley Roach, Masha Swalin, Ethan Dillon, Hannah Dillon; great grandchildren, Patrick Roach, Sammuel, Reuben, and Jonathan Roach, Murphy Heald, Wesley Teran, Sophia, Elena, and Jonathan Goddard, Kendall Graham, plus a Johnston on the way; and many other relatives and cherished friends.
A luau themed Celebration of Life Reception for Diane Swalin is scheduled for May 4, 2024 from 4:00PM – 6:00 PM. Location is Wesley Hall of the Friendswood Methodist Church, 110 N Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, Texas 77546. Dress is formal Hawaiian attire or business casual with an aloha flare. A luau themed lunch buffet will be provided.
7 thoughts on “Diane Alley Roach Swalin”
To Elaine, John and Monty,
As she (mom) wished, I will celebrate her life and legacy- her children and grandchildren. My thoughts are for you all to hold tight the wonderful memories of her.
God Bless,
Missy Shields Benefiel
Elaine and family,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She and my mother were such good friends, I'm glad that they can be reunited once more. I know they will be cutting up together, cheering for the Mustangs and all other teams they both liked.
Diane was so kind to me when I landed at FHS in 1986; though she wasn't assigned as my mentor, she took me under her wing and was always available to help a rookie teacher like me out. What a beautiful, sweet soul leaving behind an incredible legacy of love. I'm so grateful to be able to celebrate her heavenly homecoming and I'm holding friends and family close as they grieve through the missing.
Sending our heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. May your happy memories of Diane bring you strength and comfort.
My deepest condolences to Monty and his family during this sad time. Sending prayers and love. Cherish your memories
Elaine and family…loved knowing your Mom when she and I worked at the Junior High together, and missed her when she moved along to the High School. She was a wonderful member of our church congregation and will be missed. Prayers for you and your family.
I am just seeing this and sending the family prayers for comfort and peace. She was one of my all-time favorite teachers. We had such a great relationship when she taught me, and she was always so encouraging. She touched so many lives…including mine.