Diane Christine (Makowski) Betts

November 10, 1950 – October 23, 2026

Diane Christine (Makowski) Betts, 75, of Washington, passed away peacefully Friday, October 23, 2026, in Washington, Pa.

She was born November 10, 1950, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Edward W. and Gertrude Makowski.  She attended St. George Grade School until 1961, and after her family moved to Marianna, she attended West Bethlehem school beginning in 1962 and graduated from Beth-Center High School in 1968.

Diane graduated from Contemporary Institute in 1971 in IBM data processing and computer programming, beginning a lifetime of learning that included real estate, stained glass design, leadership training for women, and internet courses at Westmoreland County Community College.  For a decade she taught computer skills at the Chartiers-Houston Library.  She founded Budget Help, Inc., a nonprofit that helped families with their budgets, and served as a business administrator for several other organizations.

A classically trained accordionist, Diane was a musician at heart who hosted countless music-filled gatherings for family and friends.  She DJ'd alongside Jeff and loved the jazz clubs of South Park, the ocean, hot rods and going fast, and she shared her home with many beloved pets.  An avid reader of philosophy, she made spirituality the foundation of her life through daily meditation, intention and prayer, and treasured her regular meetings with the MIDG and KS groups.

Diane was joined on her life's journey by three husbands.  Her first marriage was to David F. Bernard Jr., who passed away in 2024. She later married John Gayman, who preceded her in death in 1988, and Byron F. "Jeff" Betts Jr., who preceded her in death in 2010.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Calvin) Henry and Kristy (Todd) Netzel; her son, Brian Bernard of Washington; grandchildren, Brian David Bernard, Aleka (Gage) Monette, Jesse Puglin and Alexandra Grace Henry; great-granddaughter, Odessa Rain Monette; sister, Maureen (William) Metts of Perryopolis; brother, Edward F. "Dink" Makowski of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces, nephews and their children.

Friends will be received on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. the hour of a funeral service in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director.  Interment will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, and at Diane's request, donations to Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc. are welcomed to help families who are unable to afford funeral services.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com