Dianna Lou Dietrich

Dianna Dietrich, born August 31, 1940 passed away on the early, snowy morning of January 8, 2024. From that moment and in every moment after, she will be greatly missed. It is incredibly difficult to find the correct words to accurately honor and describe such an incredible woman. We will do our best, but just know her soul was so much greater than what we could put into words. Perhaps we’ll start by describing what it was like to be with her. Driving up the driveway, you may have found her working outside, probably gardening, wearing one of her floral button up sleeveless shirts and jeans which she would cut, sew and hem into shorts. Her hands would be dirty from the soil, but she would immediately invite you inside. After washing up, she would offer you something to eat, and whether you were hungry or not, before you knew it there would be a plethora of food on the table in front of you. She would ask you about your day, and she would really listen. She cared. She cared about her people in the most unconditional, all encompassing way. In the kitchen, around the island, is where we would all gather. After all, there’s no place like Grandma’s house. Her home was a direct reflection of who she was. Always open, and always warm. Dianna, Diane, Lou, Mom, Grandma, Gami. She went by many names to many people, and she wore each title like a badge of honor. Her family was everything to her. She was happiest with a great grandchild on her lap, which she had several to chose from. Surviving is her husband, Roy Dietrich; son, James (Lisa) Dietrich; grandchildren, Joshua (Nichole) Dietrich, Kyle (Cecilia) Dietrich, Gregory (Katie) Dietrich, Alex (Megan) Dietrich, Lauren (Jake) Petersen, and Macy (Ben) Coopes; and great grandchildren, Landon Dietrich, Clayton Dietrich, Gabriel Dietrich, Preston and Emerson Dietrich, Lane Dietrich, Magnolia Dietrich, Levi Dietrich, Nellie Dietrich, Mila Coopes, Louella Peterson, Luke Dietrich, Maxwell and Nora Dietrich, Jolie Coopes, Benjamin Dietrich, and Finnley Peterson. It was recently that we stumbled upon old home videos of Dianna. She was in her mid 20s, and it was around Christmas time. She was so beautiful, her hair short and curled, makeup perfectly subtle, wearing a simple dress. The footage showed her being silly with the camera and showing off her dance moves. She was sassy. She was funny. She was vibrant. As she grew, Dianna exceeded every expectation as a wife and mother. Dianna was married to her sweetheart Roy for 62 years. Together they worked hard, raised two boys and grew their family business that will live on through generations. Honestly, this woman deserved a gold metal. She was also the perfect balance of grace and grit. Smarter than most, but always kind to everyone she’d meet. Tough as nails, with the gentlest of hands. She was everything that is good in this world. After losing a loved one, families typically get an outpouring of love, kind words and support. When we received these messages, something became clear. A few words were shared over and over and over again, “She was one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met.” Whether it was someone who knew her for decades, or someone who had only met her a few times, the response was still the same. She was one of the most beautiful souls they had ever met. To know her, was to love her. She was always our angel, and now she has wings. Our family is comforted knowing she is able to rest peacefully with her son John Dietrich; parents Rix and Florence James; and brother, Richard James who all preceded her in death. We envision her in Heaven dancing the Jitterbug, rocking on a porch swing, planting the most gorgeous garden, and proudly watching her family grow. Though the world feels a bit more dim without her, we know Heaven is that much brighter from her presence and light. Our family will be gathering privately to honor and celebrate her life.

Dianna Lou Dietrich

August 31, 1940 - January 8, 2024