Support Ryky After Diane's Sudden Loss

Diane Gordon was a cherished friend, daughter, sister, and partner whose beautiful soul left this earth on December 19 after an asthma attack that led to cardiac events. She took her last breath surrounded by her partner, Ryky; sister Claire; and close friends in her long-time home of Las Vegas.

Diane’s passing has left a hole in the hearts of so many who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. She and Ryky had recently moved to Tennessee to live out their dream of homesteading on a 20-acre property.

Diane was born in Ohio and lived in a few places before ending up in the Maryland area before moving to Las Vegas in 2002.

Diane was a tough cookie, but under that strong shell was the biggest heart. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was helping a friend recover after a major surgery or being the first one to check in on you after a big storm. For many, Diane was a ride-or-die friend. She took many newcomers to Las Vegas under her wing, introducing them to a web of friends. Many of us have fond memories of going to a concert with Diane (she was everyone’s best concert buddy!

Her passing has brought on an onslaught of posts from so many loved ones:

“Diane was the first one who taught me the importance of rescue. I saw how much joy she had in doing it. That really opened my eyes to a whole new world. We shared a lot of great times over my many visits to Las Vegas over the years. RIP Diane. I'm sure you were greeted by all of your rescue dogs you lost over the years,” one friend wrote.

“Diane was one of the best friends I’ve ever had. …She was the best confessional. You could tell her anything and she’d be able to make you feel better about it. She’d have your back for everything and she’d find a way to make you laugh about it all,” another wrote. “Diane was pure gold. I loved her so much.”

Even in death, Diane was a giving and selfless person. She was an organ donor and her liver, kidneys, and heart will hopefully be able to save the lives of three or four people.

Diane’s loss was very unexpected and we are raising money to help Ryky cover the expenses of Diane’s cremation, urns and celebration of life. Any bonus funds will go to helping Ryky cover the costs of finishing the couple’s barndominium in Tennessee.

Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help during this difficult time.

My name is Erica Daughenbaugh. I’ve been working with Ryky since 2007. We’ve become good friends in that time and helped each other through difficult times. A couple years ago I moved back to Las Vegas and reconnected with Ryky and met Diane. It was wonderful to see him happy and settled. Getting to know Diane the past few years as my husband and I hung out with them has been amazing. Diane and Ryky made a great team. It’s my pleasure to coordinate this effort to help Ryky achieve the dreams they had together. Ryky will complete the property in Tennessee and continue to visit all the National Parks as they had planned to do together. RIP Diane!