Diana Lynn Strickler

Diana Lynn Strickler, age 61, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. She was the fifth of nine children born to Eddie Flakes, Sr. and Elisky Flakes, in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 14, 1961. She was baptized at a very young age and continued to nurture her love and relationship with God through fervent prayer and regularly attended church.

Diana married and had two children, Shawn Strickler and Courtney Folden. Diana’s happy place was spending time with her beloved grandchildren, Austin, Lena and Forrest. Diana lived in Florida, but she enjoyed spending time with family in Georgia, Louisiana and Michigan. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Flakes Sr.

Diana is survived by her children; son-in-law, Tim Folden; grandchildren; siblings, Eddie Flakes, Jr., Cynthia L. Flakes, Richard Flakes Sr., Calvin Flakes, Brenda and Bennie Thorne, Lynette Jackson and Suzanne Flakes; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Diana had a great love for sports, particularly football (University of Michigan…Go Blue!) and of course basketball. She dominated the courts playing basketball at Union High School where she still holds numerous records in basketball and track & field. After graduation, Diana was recruited to play on a full scholarship to Jackson State College and Alpena Community College where she was the first female and the second in history to be awarded All American status. Diana’s tremendous athletic skill was key to her leading her team to two conference championships, breaking every record possible and being requested to play in the Olympics. 

Diana’s competitive spirit was an asset to her success in the banking industry, where she displayed an unrelenting ability to meet and exceed banking goals. Diana was successful raising money to fund and travel on two separate missionary trips to different countries in Africa.

God blessed Diana with a giving heart, and she was able to touch people’s lives in positive ways, where her generous spirit was felt by all who she encountered, always leaving them feeling loved, understood, and supported. 

Family, friends, and others whose lives Diana touched are invited to a Celebration of Life from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Cape Christian, 2110 Chiquita Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33991 to reminisce, grieve, and support each other.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.