10/14/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Diane Catherine Hawkins, affectionately known to so many in the Vista family as “Grandma.”
Diane and her husband, Carl, were an important part of the rich history of Hill Country summer camps. In addition to owning Heart of the Hills Camp, they purchased Camp Rio Vista in 1977 and founded Camp Sierra Vista in 1982. For many years, Diane worked alongside Carl and their sons, Freddie and Johnnie, in the camp office, helping run the business and build the Vista Camps we know and love today.
Even after retiring from the day-to-day operations of camp, Grandma Diane remained a familiar and welcome presence at Vista. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home, whether they were a longtime member of the Vista family or visiting camp for the very first time.
Diane and Carl's contributions to the tradition of Hill Country summer camping have touched generations of campers, counselors, and families, and their legacy continues today.
As we remember Grandma Diane and celebrate her 93 years of life, we invite our Vista family to share their favorite memories and stories of her in the comments below.
To learn more about Grandma Diane's life, please read her obituary:
https://www.grimesfuneralchapels.com/obituary.php?id=27306
