Celebrating 80 years of a life well-lived

"To know her is to love her," radiates positivity, kind, loyal and caring - these were all terms used to describe Diana Ogden by her many friends and family during her recent 80th birthday celebration. Ogden, a long-time Green River resident, was honored with a party attended by over 90 family members and friends. Her family, who traveled from various states including Montana and Utah, mingled with her many friends of many different walks of life.

Ogden isn't just another "octogenarian," but a dedicated volunteer, a fantastic supporter of all community fundraising initiatives, and the Western Wyoming Community College Volleyball and Basketball teams' biggest fan. Her party was even hosted by several Western staff members, including Volleyball Coach FredAnn Soto and Communications Professor Ann Rudoff, who have become dear friends.

Friend Terry Swanson, who met Ogden eight years ago at Sweetwater Speedway, described just how devoted and enthusiastic Ogden is about her hobbies and the things she loves.

"Diana has played a big role with promoting the track," Swanson said. "She has helped Kara Beech, our track promoter, by hanging flyers with the race schedule, selling 50/50 tickets, and she is always at the pit gate to greet all the drivers. Diana knows every driver. She walks that whole pit area many times during a race night visiting with all the drivers. Where there's Diana there is a camera. She has captured some amazing family photos, driver and pit crew, just all-around fun pictures."

Swanson also spoke about Ogden's fan-ship of Western athletics.

"Diana is always a huge WWCC fan," she said. "She goes to every home game and a few away games, boys and girls Basketball and Volleyball."

Several of the players were in attendance at Ogden's party, posing with her in front of the racetrack-themed photo backdrop.

When asked about her birthday and subsequent celebration, Ogden reflected with gratitude.

"Wow, what a true blessing as I enter my 80th year of living," she said. "My heart was touched and warmed by the many friends and family who reached out to wish me a happy birthday and attended my party. What a wonderful way to start my 80s."

A personal note from Danielle Salas:

I personally have known Diana for nearly my entire life. She was a close friend of my aunt's, and when my aunt passed away Diana was the first to reach out to me and was a great source of comfort to me. She is always the first person to purchase a raffle ticket or participate in any way she could when my daughter has had fundraising events over the years. She was even there to aid my daughter in affixing her graduation cap last May when she graduated from Western. I might add that Diana also cheered louder than I did when Isabell crossed that stage.