On the morning of January 5, 2026, Diane Blackburn Hayes (84) left her earthly body to join her beloved husband Richard Allen Hayes, Sr. in eternal peace. Diane was born on August 14, 1941 in Lusby, MD. She was the eldest of the five children of Charles Edward and Audrey Victoria Blackburn.

Diane grew up in Lusby, MD, in a large extended family. She married Dickie Hayes in 1964. As a Navy family, they lived in many places before settling in Prince Frederick, MD where they raised their family. The joy of Diane’s life was her family. The greatest pride in her life was her children. Every grandchild was a joy, and every family gathering was a treasured event. Diane left us peacefully and swathed in the love of her family.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Allen Hayes, Sr., and her brother William Robert Blackburn, Sr. She is survived by her sister Peggy (Eduardo) Braham, brothers Edward Blackburn and Richard (Diane) Blackburn, children Vicki DeWaters, Bonni Miller, and Richard (Anne) Hayes, Jr., seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held soon.