Diane Evelyn Butz

Our beloved mother Diane (Nord) Butz is remembered for her beautiful smile, her dedicated work ethic and delicious home cooked dishes.  She was born Jan. 21, 1950 in Los Angeles, CA and graduated 1968 La Sierra High School in Carmichael, CA. She worked at the family business NorMac, Inc. then TransAmerica Title.  She married Preston Hanford Jr. and raised their two children while working part-time at the Elk Grove Food Market in the meat and deli department where she learned to cook delicious recipes she has shared over the years. Diane soon joined the family business Hanford Sand & Gravel, Inc. on Wilton Road as bookkeeper with her in-laws Iris and Preston Hanford, Sr.  Along with former husband Preston Jr. they co-owned Hanford Ready Mix, Inc. in Elk Grove and worked together as business partners for 43 years. Diane continued to be the “boss-lady” of both HRM and Hanford Sand & Gravel with her beloved son Preston III. Together they expanded the family businesses to three locations.  Diane was steadfast about never wanting to retire and got her wish going straight from work to the hospital and on up to heaven. 

Diane is preceded in death by her parents Marlyn and Mona Nord of Rancho Murieta, CA and preceded by her brother Steven Nord. She is survived by her two brothers Dennis (Maria) Nord and Stacy (Maryann) Nord.She is survived by her adoring husband of 29 years David C. Butz, children Dany’l (Steve) Van Someren and Preston (Jacqueline) Hanford III.  Loving Nana to Zachary and Zaya Van Someren, Preston IV and Herbie Hanford and Great Grandmother “GG” to Ezra Nauta and Kiara Van Someren. She was Mom to many employees and customers over the years whom she enjoyed teasing at her office and around the Elk Grove Community. Diane loved numbers keeping her infamous greensheets and cooking her famous dishes to bring in on Mondays to her employees. Diane was strong, smart, loving and direct–everyone knew where she was coming from because she’d let you know. She organized and hosted amazing family gatherings and enjoyed her Saturday lunch dates with Dave to Red Lobster where they had their first date, the Squeeze Inn or Applebees. Summers, after work, they enjoyed their pool dates Diane sipping her Chardonnay with ice cubes while Dave did all the listening. They shared travels to Reno and Tahoe for slot tournaments and room service plus winter trips down to their Indian Wells vacation home where the family all gathered this past Thanksgiving with cherished memories. Diane loved to celebrate, dance and laugh with everyone. She will be missed and forever in our hearts. 

Services will be held 2:PM Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at East Lawn Elk Grove 9189 East Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Diane Butz to the Hanford Sand & Gravel Scholarship (Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation) or WEAVE Sacramento.