October 21, 1962 – April 30, 2026

After a brief but brave battle with pancreatic cancer Diana peacefully passed away on April 30, 2026 with her family by her side.

Born in Grass Valley to James Ford Sr. and Barbara Ford, Diana was a life long resident of Nevada County.

In her younger years Diana enjoyed being involved in Job’s Daughters, she was a Demolay Sweet Heart and was also in Girl Scouts. Diana attended Bell Hill, Lyman Gilmore and graduated from Nevada Union High School. After high school she went on to graduate from Healds Business college with an associate degree. She worked for the County Nevada for several years. One of her jobs while there was working at the Nevada County Animal Shelter. Diana could often be found falling in love with one of the strays and bringing the animal home to live with them. After leaving Nevada County she went on to work for a local doctor’s office working herself up the ranks to become the billing office manager, she was with them for 23 years.

Diana married Brian Mesker in 1992. Diana and Brian were true soulmates and had a strong supportive love for one another. They raised three boys, Mathew, Brian Paul and Justin Mendolia and enjoyed all the things that come with raising boys. Diana loved spending time in Fort Bragg and at “the lodge “at Fuller Lake. She enjoyed family get togethers and time with her girlfriends. She was also an avid reader and you would often find her listening to or reading a book. She was involved in the Ladies Auxiliary for the Grass Valley Rife, Rod and Gun Club, where she dedicated many hours to community service and baking pasties. She also loved to bird hunt with her black lab Meekka.

Diana leaves behind her husband of 34 years Brian, sons Brian Paul Mendiola, Justin James Mendiola. Her mother Barbara Ford, brothers Jim Ford (Sharon) Michael Ford (Kim). Several nephews and nieces, and friends of her sons that often called her mom.

She was preceded in death by her father James Ford Sr., her son Mathew Mendiola, her daughter Meghan Mendiola. Her grandparents Henry and Edith Ford, John and Doris Salca.

Diana was truly loved and will be forever missed.

A celebration of life will be held in June.