On the 5th of June 2026, our beloved Dianne Jeanne (Trate) Hurst went home to be with the Lord, and while she is home with her Savior, she is deeply missed by her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Born on March 20, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Dianne was the daughter of the late John and Doris (Knight) Trate. She was a dedicated student, graduating as a valedictorian of West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, Michigan, later going on to earn her undergraduate degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College, Grand Rapids, Michigan and her Master’s Degree at Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.

On August 23, 1980, she married the love of her life, Charles L. Hurst, and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. That devoted love led to the birth of their three children and she patiently and diligently homeschooled them during their early years. Throughout her life, Dianne cherished the written word as an educator, writer, and editor who was committed to the growth of others. Her teaching career spanned high school and college classrooms. She was especially proud of the grammar curriculum she diligently authored and revised over many years, which taught students the art of sentence diagramming. (In fact, she would want you to know that she did not edit this obituary, so please file any complaints with us—her children!) Mom, we formally apologize for every misplaced comma, and we admit we miss your detailed eye even as we write this. In recent years, Dianne combined her love of words with her generous spirit through an annual family Christmas letter that recounted a meaningful moment from each person’s year and shared a donation made in their honor—a tradition her family treasured.

Dianne’s heart was always oriented toward generosity and hospitality. She was a master at finding a good deal (bonus if it was from Costco!). She used this talent extensively for the benefit of others, giving the “perfect” gift, always beautifully wrapped. She would, however, be quick to remind you that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). She built friendships with those easily overlooked, packed thousands of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and quietly gave in ways known only to the recipient. No one left her home without feeling welcomed and enjoying her excellent cooking.

For more than twenty-five years, chronic illness marked Dianne’s daily life. While it limited her physically, it deepened her dependence on the Lord and shaped the way she cared for others. If you knew Dianne, you were prayed over. (You may not have known it, but you were!) She was a faithful prayer warrior in the midst of suffering—knowing firsthand the comfort and sustaining grace of a good God.

She delighted in deep conversations, praying with others, and investing in things that would last for eternity. Above all, she loved sharing the good news of Jesus. Whether through Sunday school classes, backyard Bible clubs, meals shared around the table, or long phone calls or texts, her greatest desire was for everyone to know Jesus personally.
Her dedication to prayer, faithful commitment to her husband and family, and care for others left a lasting impact on all who knew her—and a legacy that will continue long after her earthly life.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Charles L. Hurst; her three children, Jennifer J. Wing (Rich), Jackye A. Devine (Patrick), and Jacob C. Hurst (Chelsea); and her five cherished grandchildren, Brayden, Darcy, Charles, Mabel, and Seth. She is also survived by her brothers, Doug Trate (Karen), Daniel Joseph Trate (Tracy), and Daryl Trate (Toni), as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and devoted prayer partners. Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, her three children lost to miscarriage, and her infant brother, Daniel James Trate.

A memorial service to celebrate Dianne’s life and faith will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Winchester Grace Church. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dianne to: Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/dianne-jeanne-hurst-winchester-va/.