Diane Louyse (Bye) Ulven, 70, of Silverton passed away on Sept. 20, 2014, from complications of an aneurysm. She left the world peacefully, surrounded by her family.
She was born March 25, 1944 to Perl and Evelyn Bye of Silverton and grew up on the farm on Silverton Road. She attended Central Howell and graduated from Silverton Union High School.
Diane was able to travel the world as a United Airlines employee. Her mother set up a date for Diane with Andy Ulven, a friend of her brother Stewart. They married on Nov. 4, 1967 and had three children.
The couple founded Ulven Forging in 1971. She was instrumental in getting the business off the ground. It continues to thrive with 165 employees. She later worked at McCurdy Travel and volunteered as an advocate for foster children.
Diane kept a large garden of flowers, loved to spend time outside, and was partial to Pomeranian dogs. An avid quilter, she often donated them to charity. She and Andy would take cross country road trips hunting for antiques – “treasures” as she called them.
One of her favorite things was spending time with the family in Alsea where they enjoyed camping, fishing and swimming.
Her eight grandkids were her pride and joy. She managed to spoil each one with something as simple as having their favorite candy on hand, whether Neccos, gummy worms, Tic Tacs or Trident gum. She was a strong supporter of their sports, rarely missing a game or meet, no matter the weather and despite the back pain that plagued her in later years.
Diane is survived by her husband Andy; son Dan and his wife Adrian and their four kids; son Mike, and his wife Whitney and their three kids; grandson Hank and his wife Miranda, all of Silverton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Stewart Bye, and her eldest son Darrin.
She also leaves behind her prized 1965 Springtime Yellow Mustang which she bought new and her two mini-Doberman Pinschers, who’ll keep Andy company.
A memorial and celebration of life was held Sept. 25 at First Christian Church in Silverton. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be sent to the Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland.
