Diane Davidson Updike
Diane Davidson Updike, also lovingly known as Gaga, 88 of Huddleston, VA passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the home of her daughter, Susan. She was born on Wednesday, May 18th, 1938 in Washington D.C. The only daughter of the late Rear Admiral John Frederick Davidson and the late Lee and Helen Lambert.
She was a 1960 graduate of Randolph Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, VA
It was so appropriate that Diane met Jesus early on a Sunday morning. She loved Jesus and she had great faith. She treasured her salvation and she shared that with everyone she could. It led her to many treasured friendships.
Diane was also known as "The Dog Lady". Her mother once told her when she was grown, and had her own house she could bring home all the dogs she wanted! She took that to heart and her home was always full of dogs. After starting with Irish and Gordon Setters she later became a well known breeder and show person of Tibetan Spaniels. This too, led to treasured friendships. And it was a great day when her love of Jesus and dogs intertwined. In addition to these 2 things she was a jewelry and art lover, an artist, an avid reader and a published poet.
Diane dearly loved her family. She is survived by her husband of almost 34 years, Marvin Pete Updike Sr.. Their love was especially evident in her last weeks, as they still knew each other and held hands when they were able to visit. She is also survived by her daughters, Susan Tuck (Billy Joe), Deborah Merritt; son, Lee Ross (Renee); her grandchildren, Rebecca Jackson (Steven) Mary Tuck, Jeremiah Tuck (Stevie), Evan Ross, Noah Ross; her great-grandchildren, Timothy Jackson Skyler Jackson as well as Marvin's children and grandchildren.
The family would like to Thank Centra Hospice-Bedford for their excellent care of mom and her family. All the Doctors, Nurses and staff were wonderful but we'd like to single out Dr. Beahm, Kayla, Linda, Mary B. and Melissa for their compassionate and timely care.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 550, Chicago, IL 60631 or The Tibetan Spaniel Club of America, TSCA Rescue & Health Trust, c/o Linda Foiles, 190 Cedar Valley Lane, Louisburg, NC 27549
The family will receive friends beginning at 1 Pm on Saturday. August 8th at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 11351 Leesville Rd, Huddleston, Virginia 24104 and a memorial service will follow at 2 PM in the chapel with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating
Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.
