DIANE L. BELL, 68, of Julesburg, CO, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022, at her home.
Diane was born on September 19, 1954, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Eldon and Princetta (Blakely) Reutter. She graduated from Haxtun High School with the class of 1973.
After graduating high school, Diane earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music from the University of Northern Colorado. She subsequently received her Master's of Education from the University of Wyoming.
Following two years at Oshkosh Public Schools, Diane taught at Julesburg Public Schools in a career that spanned over 37 years. For 27 years, Diane taught third grade, with the remaining 10 spent teaching K-12 vocal music. Diane retired in 2016.
Diane was a talented musician, animal lover, active member of her community, and beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.
Diane played the organ, piano, and flute, spending many Sundays sharing her talents at the United Methodist Church in Julesburg. She helped students audition for honor choirs at Hastings College as well as locally.
Diane volunteered for Animal Friends Alliance out of Fort Collins. She also enjoyed taking care of her own pets at home.
Diane was a P.E.O. and Delta Kappa Gamma member and a Hippodrome volunteer. In retirement, she attended classes at Get'n Fit in Ovid. While she was still teaching, Diane was an avid summer golfer.
Diane enjoyed spending time with her children, their spouses, and granddaughter. She also kept in close contact with her mother in Fort Collins.
Diane was preceded in death by her father, Eldon Reutter.
Survivors include her children, Kyle (Jensyn) Bell of Omaha, NE, Erin (Tyler) Bell Weihe of Fresno, CA; granddaughter Zoey Bell; mother, Princetta Reutter of Fort Collins, CO; brothers, Harold (Verna) Reutter of Grand Island, NE; and Don (Connie) Reutter of Wheatland, WY; along with many relatives and friends.
Memorials have been established in Diane's memory to the Animal Friends Alliance of Fort Collins, CO, and the United Methodist Church of Julesburg. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com where the services will be streamed live.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Julesburg, with Rev. Jacob Keega officiating. No interment of cremains is planned at this time.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.