Our mom was happy about having lived a full life. When she received the news of terminal liver cancer, she immediately started consoling everyone around her, working on her own funeral plans, purchasing an urn for her ashes, and sorting through and labeling items in the house. She did not want her death to be a burden to others. Diane Nein died Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in Wheatland at the age of 65.
Diane was baptized by her grandfather the Rev. Ralph K. Schwab in Boulder, Colorado. She graduated high school from Fairview High School in Boulder in 1971. She attended college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and graduated with an occupational therapist degree in 1975.
“Mother Hen,” as she was affectionately referred to by her siblings, is survived by her father, Richard Ross (Lou), of Boulder; her spouse of 43 years, Daniel Nein, of Wheatland; her four younger siblings, Janet (Don) Wadlow, of Lyons, Colorado, Luann (Greg) Brittenham, of Haines, Alaska, Richard (JoAnn) Ross, of Greeley, Colorado, and Connie (Jim) Menger, of Lafayette, Colorado; and her children “Heather Jennie Kristin, whatever your name is child,” otherwise known as Heather (Brandt) Lyman, of Rock Springs, Jennifer (Vincent) Hedrick, of Laramie, and Kristin (Matthew) Karlstrum, of Saint George, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ardee Ross.
Diane took extreme pride in her grandchildren, Carter and Hadley Lyman, of Rock Springs, but deep down she wished she had 18 more. Her love of children was obvious from her 37 years of service to children with special needs and their families at the Wheatland Early Childhood Center serving the communities of Wheatland, Guernsey, Douglas and Torrington as an occupational therapist – someone who helps people, who otherwise cannot, participate in the activities that help with their independence. With children, that means play! Diane was constantly searching for the best toys, and we loved going to her place of work after school to try them out. She received the Practitioner of the Year Award from the Wyoming Occupational Therapy Association in recent years.
Diane loved “talking people’s ears off” (especially about her grandchildren), squirreling away the Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits in her purse when the wait staff was not looking, creating heirloom-quality crafts with her sisters and daughters, storing chocolate in every corner of the kitchen, love stories, Patrick Swayze’s dancing, and hotels that offer free breakfast. But most of all, she loved helping people and being involved in her community. She was intricately involved in the Wheatland United Methodist Church choir, women’s group and worship committee, Girls Scouts, Job’s Daughters, PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) and DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), among others. She received the Cross and Flame Award and the Quiet Disciple Award through the United Methodist Church of Wheatland, and served in a multitude of leadership roles for all organizations.
Diane collected relatives (aka genealogy), pantry and frozen food items, recyclables, tea, lotion and plants. But most importantly, she collected her change to give to needy organizations and regularly donated her time and items for fundraisers or worthy causes. In years past, Diane was frequently seen towing the girls around for endless hours selling items for their latest school/organization fundraiser in the family minivan.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland United Methodist Church. We ask that you wear purple or pink to support awareness of cancer and breast cancer, which would also make Diane smile because those were her favorite colors. There is a reception to follow at the First State Bank Conference Center from 2:30-5 p.m. hosted by the PEO, DAR and United Methodist Women groups.
Donations made to the family will go to the Wheatland Early Childhood Center and the Wheatland United Methodist Church, Diane Nein Memorial in care of Wells Fargo Bank, 874 Gilchrist St., Wheatland, WY 82201.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
