August 4, 1962 June 2, 2025
Diane Kay Spencer, 62, of Ericson, Neb. passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island following a courageous battle with cancer.
Diane Kay was born August 4, 1962, in Newcastle, Wyo. to Donald Lee and Pat M. (Weaver) Spencer. She was raised on the family ranch north of Edgemont, S.D. where she received her education and graduated from Edgemont High School. During her high school years Diane participated in high school rodeos.
Following high school, Diane attended Veterinary Tech School before working in the Uranium mines then moving to Nevada where she continued to work in the mines. She moved to Montana where she met and married Lee VanUden. The couple was blessed with a son, Miles. Through their married years, they worked on many ranches in Montana.
Diane’s career as a ranch hand and equipment operator led her to working in various capacities while living in Elgin, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas. Up until her health declined, she worked at Niewohner Farms and Feedlot in Elgin and Spalding.
Diane met Howard Lamb in Elgin. The couple spent many loving years together sharing the same interest in horses and handmaking leather goods.
Growing up on a ranch led Diane to her passion for horses; riding and cowboying for pleasure and work. She and Howard traveled to Oklahoma and Texas to watch horse shows and events. She also enjoyed caring for her yard and classic hotrod cars.
Survivors include her mother, Pat Spencer of Edgemont; son, Miles VanUden of Edgemont; and her significant other, Howard Lamb of Ericson.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald L. Spencer. A celebration of life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025, at the exhibit hall in the Fall River County Fair Grounds in Edgemont. Snacks will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.