Dianne Shinholser

Dianne P Shinholser breathed her last on December 10, 2024 in Las Cruces NM at the age of 91. Born September 2, 1933 in Denver Colorado to Raymond and Esther Phillips. Dianne experienced tragedy at the age of 3 when her father died in a mining accident. Her mother remarried and she had two brothers, James and Jerry Spray. She spent time on a ranch in Colorado, and had several 4-H animals Including a horse, a bull and a sheep. She and Jim would ride to the one room schoolhouse where her mother taught. The family moved to Santa Fe when she was in high school.

Dianne married Charles (Eddy) Shinholser on December 27, 1954. They lived an adventure-filled life as Eddy served in the Navy for 20 years. She was truly Ed’s wingman, holding down the fort as a single mother when he was deployed to the aircraft carriers. They were married 67 years.

Dianne loved life in a big way. She was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain alongside Ed in their home. They entertained people from all over the world as part of the Council on International Relations in Santa Fe. She instilled a sense of adventure in her children and encouraged them to see much of the world. While the family lived in Naples Italy for 7 years they did see many countries because she made it happen. Dianne was fluent in Italian and took an active interest in people she met. She loved music and the arts and passed that love on to each of her children. She took her girls to the magical opera house in Naples where they experienced ‘Madam Butterfly’, a favorite to this day. She and Eddy were active in Civitan’s International for many years.

Dianne is survived by her children, Eva Denise Seidler of St. Louis, MO; Robin (Tim) Curry of Las Cruces, NM; Laura (Roland) Blais of Fernley NV; and Charles (Virginia) Shinholser of Albuquerque, NM. Her brother Jerry(Trudy)Spray in Denver Colorado and Jim Shinholser in Tennessee. She had 9 Grandchildren: Ryan, Toby, Gracie, Dan, Brandon, Darren, Shane, Justin and Melody. She had 10 Great grandchildren: Jack, Ruby, Colton, Bentley, Legend, Laylah, Izaac and Quaylen, Damien and Ondine.

Dianne was preceded in death by Charles (Eddy) Shinholser, and her brother Jim Spray.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 311 E Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM at 3 pm on January 17th, 2025.