Diane Denise Bransford passed away on May 16 th , 2024.
She is survived by many family members including her husband, Eli, her mother and father,
Irene and George Roybal, daughter Arial Roybal, stepchildren, Cassandra, Daniel, Mirranda,
and Faith Bransford, as well as her siblings, Marie, Karen, Kevin, Matt, and Bethany. Also, many
nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and Mother/father in-law, Michael and Shawn Bransford.
Early Life
Diane was born on December 26 th , 1978. She was always a bright light to those around her and
had a bigger-than-life personality. Growing up in the small community of El Rancho, New
Mexico, she shared her childhood with her parents and siblings. As a natural singer, her parents
quickly recognized her talent and incorporated it into their own church and ministry. Diane
performed in concerts at an early age. Early on, Diane always had a streak of independence,
but it was not from rebellion, it was from her natural fierce sense of independence and desire for
adventure.
Early Adulthood
As Diane continued her path of life, she gave birth to Arial Roybal, her beautiful daughter. A
tribute to the precious spirit of her mother.
When the time came around her later 20’s, God planted into Diane’s heart the future. She began
to long for a life partner and as she did, she prayed and wrote down what she wanted in that
partner. Diane was not vague, she asked God to answer her in the specifics. She wrote that she
wanted a husband that was a mechanic for his profession. She wrote that she wanted him to
play the drums and generally be musically inclined among other specifics. She wrote those
things on the birthday of the husband she had yet to meet. Diane married Eli on 06/12/2010.
Married Life
Marriage was fast, wonderful, and difficult as they blended mixed kids and walked through all
the difficulties a blended family presents but they came out victorious, although they didn’t
realize it at the time. Neither did the kids. There was no trophy, no award for what they had
accomplished other than that they were still left standing as a family unit in love.
As the children got older and left the home, Diane and her husband were quite the happy empty
nesters, always doing things and finding new adventures together.
Tragic ending and Hope
Diane had many happy years ahead of her but sometimes things do not work out as they were
planned. To her family, her death is like a beautiful, bright, happy day that ended suddenly in
darkness, tragedy and deep sadness.
Diane led a bright, beautiful life and was loved by many, a truly unique person. Her love for God
and Christian faith were central to her.
As devout Christians, her family knows that they will be reunited with Diane again and God will
wipe every tear from their eyes. What we knew in imperfection will be brought back together in
perfection- and by faith, all their brightest days are not behind, they are still ahead. God will
restore and until then, may Diane rest in peace.
- Eli Bransford