LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Diana Marie Smitham-Martini, age 45, entered into eternal rest April 15, 2021 due to an automobile accident on Highway 50 near Placerville, California.

Diana was born in Guyana, South America, on Jan. 7,1976, but spent most of her life in the United States.

Diana started her nursing career in Washington State, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, degree.

After she moved to California, she pursued her passion for nursing, going back to school to update her license for California as an LVN. She was working on her RN degree, with only a couple of more classes to go.

Diana was working at Redwood Cove Healthcare Center in Ukiah, California. She was regarded as “the light of the facility” and had a positive impact on her co-workers and patients.

“Her smile and laugh would brighten any room she entered,” they said.

During the Ranch Fire in 2018, her patients had to be evacuated from Lake County. She and her family followed her patients so she could continue taking care of them. She had an amazing soft spot for the elderly, and chose to work in convalescent hospitals.

Diana accomplished her dream of nursing all while raising a family.

Although they were separated, Diana is survived by her husband, Steven Martini; her children, Chase Vestre, Jerrod Ankeny and Paige Martini; and step-son, Garret Martini.

She is also survived by her siblings, Blake Correia of Toronto, Canada, Karen Hopkins (Pat) of Lake Stevens, Washington, Bobby Ranahan (Scott) of Everson, Washington, Guy Smitham (Rachel) of Helena, Montana, and Paul Smitham (Donise) of Sacramento, California; and her Witter Springs Ranch family.

She will be forever remembered by many. Although gone, she will never be forgotten.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no memorial service. A private celebration of her life will be held with her family.