Dianne Allen deJel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 6, 1934 in Logan, Utah, Dianne lived a life devoted to faith, family, and selfless service. She spent most of her life in Pleasant Grove, Utah, quietly and humbly giving of herself and finding joy in serving others and keeping her mind and hands busy.
Dianne is survived by her husband, Henry William deJel; her five adoring children: Susan Calderwood (DeeJay), Rodney deJel (Teresa), Nicholas deJel (Shannon), Wayne deJel, and Michelle Jensen (Tracy); her 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Dianne grew up in Gunnison, Utah, as one of eight siblings. Her father ran a small dairy farm, was also a seminary teacher, and even was the town’s mayor for a time. After graduating high school, Dianne cherished her summers working at Grand Canyon Lodge and later as head of the dining room at Yellowstone National Park Lodge.
She pursued higher education at Utah State University before earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in music from Brigham Young University. Dianne was a dedicated and beloved elementary school teacher for several years, who touched countless young lives. Her gifts in art, creative writing, and music were exceptional. She was an accomplished pianist and taught piano and was often sought after to accompany choirs and vocalists.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dianne served a mission from 1957 to 1959 in the Netherlands, where she learned the Dutch language and met her sweetheart, Henry, a fellow missionary. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and began building a beautiful family together.
Dianne’s greatest joy was in being a devoted mother and homemaker. Simple things and small details made her happy. She loved the outdoors, gardening, canning, sewing, the arts, drawing, and, above all, music. She never let a moment go to waste, always busy creating, nurturing, and putting other's needs before her own.
Dianne was a beautiful soul, both inside and out, remembered for her integrity, selflessness, humility, and grace. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.