We are fortunate to have one of life’s most gracious, kind and loving humans as a mother. Wherever Diane was, music and laughter were soon to follow. The legacy of this amazing woman started when Diana Lee Nies was born October 16, 1937 in Roundup, Montana to Ed and Ruth Nies. She had a happy childhood which she shared with her brother, Don and sister, Susie. Later sister, Debbie, joined the family.

Diane married Arnold on June 11, 1955. They started their marriage at the Shawmut ranch where their new life together began. For 67 years they shared everything life has to offer and were a great team. While Arn was serving his country in the Army at Fort Riley, Kansas, they welcomed their first two daughters, Judy and Marcia. They returned to the family ranch in Shawmut and joyfully welcomed another daughter, Lori. They then moved to Big Timber where Mark and Kari became cherished additions to the family. Family time always included playing cards and games, singing, camping and a lot of storytelling.

Music was the family language. From church choirs to backyard jam sessions, she played piano, taught herself to play guitar and fiddle and encouraged every child learn an instrument “because life needs a soundtrack.” Sunday dinners ended with four-part harmonies around the table, holidays spilled into sing-alongs that lasted until the neighbors joined in.

Diane cherished winter escapes with Arn, piling into the RV for their annual road trip to Arizona's sun-kissed deserts, camping beneath endless blue skies where the only soundtrack was the crackle of a mesquite fire. They came home with countless fireside stories of shared time with family and friends.

Her faith was gentle but unshakable, guiding them through hard times. Music was their family's soul-church choirs, backyard jam sessions. Music was a passion and embraced her whole being, including playing piano, guitar, violin and singing. Her love of music transcends through all generations. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. Content with what she was given in life, Diane was a stranger to no one and a friend to all. Her kindness will be remembered by many. Oh, how family was Diane's symphony—Music was her heartbeat, and God her anchor.

Her children: Judy (Stu) Cvrk, Marcia (George) Eaton, Lori (Pete) Larson, Mark (Becky) Berg, Kari (Jerry) Locati, sisters Susie (Harold) Pangle and Debbie Simonson, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Celebration of Life at Big Timber Lutheran Church on November 17 at 1:00 p.m. She's gone ahead to prepare the next verse of the family song. We'll meet our parents again, in perfect time.