Rita Hawkins

April 9, 1948 - November 15, 2018

Rita “Diane” Walker Hawkins born April 9, 1948 in Garden City, KS. passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday, November 15, 2018 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was a native of Ulysses, Kansas and a resident of Denham Springs, LA. Diane graduated from Ulysses High School in 1966. Following high school, she went on to pursue a nursing degree at The Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend, KS, and went on to enjoy a successful career as a nurse for many years. Diane loved to spend time in Gatlinburg, TN and the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, she also loved to play the piano and crafting through the year, as well as gardening. She leaves behind her daughter, Alana Tuttle and her partner Ramona Albarado; mother, Edna Walker Coder; Grandson, Gage Callender and his Fiance’ Linda Zentz; sister, Larie Chaney and her Husband Millard Chaney; great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Paisley Callender, Mylee Zentz; Neices & Nephews, Sarah Ness, Mitzi Loar, Wade Walker, Wesley Walker, and their mother Debi Walker; as well as Fred Tuttle, the father of her daughter. Diane was preceded in death by her father, Dale Walker; husband, Gary Hawkins; and her brother, Ronald Walker. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge, the Butterfly Wing staff of The Baton Rouge General, and Rebecca Mitchell a minister of First Methodist Church of Baton Rouge. At Diane’s request, a private cremation will be conducted and a memorial service for friends and family will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Diane. Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin & Manley Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Walker, LA.