Diana A. Blake

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Diana Ashton Blake on July 15, 2026, at the age of 86.  Diana was born in Washington, D.C. on August 30, 1939 to the late Robert and Florence Ashton. She graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington in 1957, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Radford College in 1961.

In August of 1961, Diana married her beloved husband, Herman, and together they celebrated 64 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Diana’s life was beautifully enriched by her four children Tracey Sigmon (Jeff), Robbie Blake, Chris Blake (Megan), and Doug Blake (Heather), all of Richmond, Virginia. She especially adored her six grandchildren Lydia, Will, Katie, Muirgen, Cooper and Keegan.  Always baking, crafting, sewing and laughing with them, she filled their lives with kindness and love. Diana also loved spending time in the summer with family and friends at their river house in Ophelia, Virginia. She was well-known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills.  Her quick wit, sense of humor and resourcefulness were legendary, and her family always joked that she would’ve been a great early American pioneer. If there was a problem to be solved, she was there in a heartbeat with a solution and a smile. She made everyone in her circle feel cared for and secure. Her steady strength of character, quiet kindness and thoughtful generosity will be the legacy carried on in the hearts of her family.

In addition to her immediate family, Diana is survived by her beloved sister Pam Albright (Jim), with whom she shared many cherished memories.  Diana was predeceased by her loving parents, Robert and Florence Ashton.

A private funeral ceremony will be held at the request of the family, honoring Diana’s wishes for an intimate farewell.  The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice in Diana’s honor.