Diane Rodriguez Cole

Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Rodriguez Cole, who entered eternal rest on September 8, 2026, at the age of 61. After a life richly lived in faith, love, kindness, and devotion to those she held dear.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents Jose Rodriguez and Maria Rodriguez. Diane's vibrant presence will be deeply missed by her loving husband Justin Cole; her daughters Shelby, Kelly, and Sierra Cole. Her siblings are Ruben Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez, Daisy Arnold, Jessie Rodriguez, Ezequiel Rodriguez. Her father-in-law A. Sterling Cole Jr., mother-in-law Carol A. Turley, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.

Diane was born in Exeter, CA on February 22, 1965, to Jose Rodriguez and Maria (Cerda) Rodriguez. She spent her early childhood in Porterville, CA before moving to the California Camp just outside of Richgrove, CA at the age of nine.

Diane was a beautiful soul whose bright light touched countless lives. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Her famous words are, “Mi casa es tu casa,” perfectly capturing the way she lived her life. Her home was truly a home to others—a place where family, friends, and those in need could feel comfortable, loved, and accepted.

Diane’s education took her through West Putnam Elementary School in Porterville, Richgrove Elementary School, Delano High School, Fresno City, and Bakersfield College.

Diane spent much of her life at the California Camp, where she became deeply connected to the community. She helped countless people, forming lasting relationships with renters and families in the camp. During the amnesty program, she went above and beyond to help many people navigate the process of becoming United States citizens. Helping others was never simply a job for Diane; it was part of who she was.

She also knew the dignity of hard work. Diane worked in the fields, helping pick grapes, and later helped her father with the bookkeeping for his labor-contracting and farm-trucking business. She developed her bookkeeping skills while working at Glenn Harbin Accounting, gaining knowledge that she would use to support her family and her father's business.

Diane also had a love for beauty, fashion, and elegance. She attended Barbizon Modeling School, and her appreciation for fashion was lovingly instilled by her mother. Her mother also nurtured in Diane a deep love of faith and devotion to the Catholic Church, values that remained an important part of her life.

One of Diane’s greatest expressions of love was the care she gave to her parents when they became ill. She was a devoted and selfless daughter who gave of herself generously, standing beside her parents and caring for them with tenderness, patience, and love.

Diane was elegant, compassionate, hardworking, and selfless. She possessed a generous spirit and had a way of making people feel that they belonged. She gave so much of herself to her family, her friends, and her community without expecting anything in return.

Diane married Justin Cole, her best friend and lifelong partner, on January 20, 1996. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three daughters, Shelby, Kelly, and Sierra, who were truly Diane’s whole world.

Diane also helped build the family business alongside Justin and was an important part of its successes. She worked hard beside him, contributing her time, dedication, and heart to something they created together. The business was more than just work– it was a reflection of their partnership and the life they were building for their family.

Diane cherished spending time with Justin and her girls and treasured every opportunity to make memories together. They also spent countless days at the family cattle ranch, where Diane loved watching Justin and the girls at the cattle brandings. Diane was incredibly proud of her and Justin's girls and will forever be proud of the women they are becoming.

Her beautiful soul and bright light will continue to shine eternally in ethereal form. Though we can no longer see her, her love will remain in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Diane leaves behind a legacy not measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the people she helped, the lives she touched, the family she loved, and the kindness she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

“Mi casa es tu casa.”

And so it will always be—because Diane made room in her heart and in her home for everyone.

Funeral services for Diane will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 916 Lexington Street, Delano, California.

The Rosary will be held on September 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Mass will be held on September 22, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00am, with interment to follow at North Kern Cemetery, 627 Austin Street, Delano, California 93215.