Diane Kay Legge

Diane Legge, 72, of Gilbert, Arizona, was called home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 14, 1953, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Benjamin and Irma Swingle. She grew up in the small town of Zenda alongside her brother, Gary, where she developed a lifelong love for the family farm and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of rural life.

In 1975, Diane married Jeff Legge, and together they built a life in Arizona, raising their family and sharing 51 wonderful years of marriage. Throughout her life, Diane poured her love of music into teaching piano, both privately and as Director of the Piano Department at Arizona School for the Arts (ASA). After retiring from ASA, she found great joy working with special needs adults at Highland High School, where her compassion, patience, and encouragement touched countless lives.

Diane was also wonderfully creative, exceptionally crafty, and had a true entrepreneurial spirit. For many years, she and Jeff owned and operated Pizzaz, a successful women's accessories business that showcased Diane's creativity at art and craft shows throughout the western United States, as well as in numerous retail boutiques. Her mother, Irma, lovingly helped create many of the handcrafted scarves that became a signature part of the business, while Jeff and their children worked alongside Diane to bring her artistic vision to life. Together, they built not only a successful business, but also years of treasured family memories.

Outside of her work, Diane was a woman of deep faith who found joy and inspiration in music, the arts, history, and the beauty of God's creation. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love for laughter. Whether she was making others laugh with her playful spirit or delighting in the joy of those around her, her laughter was contagious and brought warmth wherever she went. She passionately loved animals, enjoyed traveling, found peace in nature, and created countless cherished memories through the meals she lovingly prepared and shared around the table.

More than anything, Diane had a rare ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. She never met a stranger and had an extraordinary gift for making people feel like family. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, there was always room for one more around the table, and laughter came as naturally as conversation. She possessed a remarkable gift for bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging wherever she went. Family was central to everything she did, including her immediate and extended family, as well as the many friends she welcomed as family throughout her life.

She lived a life of unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, and selfless love. The warmth, creativity, and joy she shared will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Diane is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Jeff Legge; her daughter, Maia Rudolph (Mark), and their daughters, Nona and Lola; her son, Jordan Legge (Lauren), and their children, Makenna and Luke; and her brother, Gary Swingle (Delia). She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Irma Swingle.

A memorial service for Diane will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Mesa, 15 East 1st Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210. As a tribute to Diane and the joy she found in the color blue, we invite those attending to wear their favorite shade of blue to celebrate her life.

Following the service, a light lunch reception will be held where family and friends can gather around the table, share memories and celebrate the love and joy she brought into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Diane Legge’s Giving Page at the Dana Farber Cancer-Institute. We have ensured that all gifts received are designated to support NUT Carcinoma Cancer and the patients and families affected by this rare disease. We hope these gifts will advance research, improve treatment and bring renewed hope to others facing this cancer in years to come.