Diana Lynn Stafford

Diana Lynn (Ferris) Stafford, 80, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Jackson, CA. She was born on December 5, 1944, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Verna (Gentry) Ferris. She grew up traveling throughout the United States, visiting and living in Illinois, Kansas, Oregon, Indiana, and California.

Diana attended both High School and College in Kansas before making her way to California.

She met William Silva in the mid-1960s and later married him. Their children, Michael (b.1970) and Amy (b.1975), were born in Manteca, CA, but were raised in Modesto, CA. In late 1987, Diana made her way to a small town in Amador County, known as Jackson, where she remained for the rest of her life. Three of her four grandchildren were born in the city.

Diana was a preschool teacher for close to forty years until an unfortunate disability prevented her from continuing. She enjoyed visiting scenic areas of California, including the Pacific Ocean in Pacifica and Lake Tabeaud in Jackson. She also enjoyed historical landmarks such as the McHenry Mansion in Modesto and the Calaveras County Museum in Angels Camp. 

She will be missed by those who knew her through friendship and familial relations. She truly was one of a kind and will never be forgotten.

Diana is survived by her daughter, Amy Silva, of Jackson, CA; son, Michael Silva, of Lucerne Valley, CA; grandchildren, Derek, McKayla, Jarrad, and Miranda; great-grandson, Josiah; and first husband, William Silva. Her parents and brother, Richard Ferris, preceded her in death.