Diane Smith

On Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, Diane Smith, 77, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Butler.

Diane grew up in the Brighton Heights area of Pittsburgh, and graduated from St. Benedict Academy in 1961.

Since 1991, she worked as the bus driver and classroom assistant at Royal Oak School in Allison Park, where she was better known to the children as Mama Duck. Owning, riding and caring for her beloved Arabian gelding, Pepper, was her dream come true in 1997. She cherished spending “Saturday afternoons at the barn” with her “bestie,” Marsha and their Arabian horses.

Diane felt at home among her horse family at Legacy Pines Equestrian Center, where she was known as “the treat lady,” and with her extended horse family at Ghost Pines Farm.

Diane had an open and caring heart for all animals. She and her daughter, Julie, shared their home with seven rescued cats, several gerbils and many tropical fish.

Diane was a loving mother and is survived by her daughter, Julie Mihalich; and her son, Robert “Bobby” Mihalich.

She is also survived by their father and former spouse, Raymond Mihalich; and her longtime friend, Marsha Zakowski.

Her love will continue to resonate in their hearts and in the hearts of the many friends she left behind.

SMITH — Service is private for Diane Smith, who died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

Fox Funeral Home, Saxonburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road Renfrew, PA 16053, or at www.butlercountyhs.org.

Please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.