Diane McCombs Staples

Diane McCombs Staples, 85, of Ruther Glen departed this life on August 4, 2024.  She was born on April 5, 1939 in Wilmington, Delaware to John and Martha McCombs.  She grew up largely in Virginia Beach, Virginia where her parents owned a hotel on Atlantic Avenue.  Her hotel upbringing contributed to her winning personality and ability to befriend anyone.  She earned a BA in Interior Design from Richmond Polytechnical Institute (now VCU).  While in Richmond, she met and married Richard Lee Staples who brought her to Caroline County to live on his family’s property.  Diane taught art, crafts, and photography in Caroline County for 25 years and was much loved by countless students.  She briefly owned and operated a fine crafts gallery in Richmond’s Shockoe Slip.  In 1998, she returned to live in Virginia Beach where she volunteered at the Virginia Aquarium as a docent and at Back Bay Restoration Foundation as a tram driver.  She became a Master Naturalist and an avid kayaker. She was a member of a local book club and regularly hosted meetings. She returned to Caroline in 2013 to be closer to her children.  Despite a long struggle with dementia, Diane never lost her positive attitude and kind spirit.  She is survived by her son Richard Adam (Gretchen) Staples, her daughter Wendy Staples Sneed, her grandson Ian Staples, and her granddaughter Ellie Sneed.  She was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha, her husband Richard, and her brother Jack. Details on a memorial service will be announced at a later date.