Diana Dunten

September 22, 1945 - January 7, 2015

OGLETHORPE, GA - Diana Dunten, of Oglethorpe, GA passed away January 7, 2015 after a long illness. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Mt. Zion - St. Luke Lutheran Church, 401 Randolph Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068. She is survived by her partner of 33 years, Maryjane Crook, and by one brother, Monroe Denton, Jr. Diana was born Diana Denton on September 22, 1945 to Monroe and Naomi Denton. Although she was born in Baltimore, she was raised in Macon County where her family attended the Mt. Zion - St. Luke Lutheran Church. She graduated from Macon County High School in 1963 as a National Merit Scholar. Diana was also on the debate team and was valedictorian of her graduating class. After high school, she received her Bachelor's degree from Mercer University and did her postgraduate work at the University of Tennessee. She broke through the "glass ceiling" when she received her PhD. in clinical psychology. She was the only woman in her class. In 1971 she published her Master's Thesis, The Influence of Reinforced Cooperation and Sharing Upon Friendship Status in Preschool Children, and in 1977 her doctorial dissertation, A Study of Wrist Cutting. After graduation, she and other members of her class did field work with the poor in Appalachia. Diana went on to work for the Veteran's Administration where she was a clinical psychologist for 35 years. For her work with veterans, she received Official Recognition from the United States Senate. In 2007, she returned to Macon County where she rekindled many old friendships and was again a faithful member of Mt. Zion - St. Luke Lutheran Church. She was active in the Middle Georgia Democratic Women and was a member of the Macon County Historical Society. Friends may express condolences to the family and sign the online guestbook at www.watsonmathewsfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Watson-Mathews Funeral Home in Montezuma, GA.