Lois M Dietz
Share
Tweet
Lois Mae Dietz, 89, was born in Roundup, Montana on a dry land farm outside of Gage. Lois passed away at her home in Worland, Wyoming on September 3, 2018. She was the third and youngest child of Albert and Cora Beckman, born on October 15, 1927. When her sister and brother went to a country school, she would follow along until the teacher finally let her attend school at the age of four. Many of the land owners were leaving the area because of the dry seasons and the country school closed, so her father built a small house in Roundup where the kids would attend school during the week and go home on the weekends. Her older siblings grew up and left for college leaving Lois to take care of herself during the school week and then go home on weekends. This is when she learned how to be responsible and very independent.
Lois graduated high school from Roundup at the age of 16 and then attended the University of Montana in Missoula for her college education. Her parents believed in continuing education since Albert only had a fourth-grade education and Cora completed the eighth grade. At college, Lois worked as a dorm monitor to save money on room and board. In her last year, she worked at Montgomery Wards as a finance assistance. Whenever there were breaks, Lois would ride the train from Missoula back to Roundup, catch a ride from local farmers, and work at the ranch.
Lois graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Sociology in 1948. Her first big job was at Carter Oil in Billings, Montana. This is where she met Harold Dietz, brother of her future husband. Harold asked Lois if she would like to go to a wedding and be a date for his brother. Mel and Lois were married in Billings, Montana on June 18, 1950. They made their home in Billings where they managed a Seed/Pet Store. A few years later, Mel and Lois had an opportunity to go to Worland, Wyoming to set up a tire store. On Valentine's day in 1953, they moved to Worland. Lois was the bookkeeper and silent partner for Mel's OK Tire store. A couple of years later, Mel's brother, Bob and his wife Delores, became partners in the business. Every month the families would get together to do statements and the children's job was to lick the envelopes and stamps.
Lois said the next years were just a blur with raising three daughters. She kept the girls busy with 4-H projects; sewing, cooking, leadership and horsemanship. She was their chauffeur and chaperone at the state fair. She hosted 4-H exchange girls from Canada. During this hectic time, she maintained the household, kept the books for the business, took care of the garden and raised raspberries. When the girls got older, Lois decided to become a substitute teacher at the high school. She encouraged her girls to try many opportunities and showed her daughters how to work hard whether with a shovel or needle and thread.
After the girls were grown and Mel sold Mel's Ok Tire Store to his brother. Mel and Lois traveled to Florida and Alaska. Once home, they decided to start a new adventure so they purchased some rentals. Together, Mel and Lois remodeled, painted, and brought new life back into each apartment. Lois set up the financial end of their investments. In her last years, Lois would fondly remember all the trips and people throughout the years and say, "I have had a good life".
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milford J. Dietz, her parents, and her sister, Alberta Jewison, and her brother, Donald Beckman. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Tippets, Marilyn (John) Hurless, and Artis (Brad) Averett. Grandchildren are: Aimee (Rajorshi) De, Aaron (Kary) Losey, Craig (Leah) Hurless, Nathan (Amy) Hurless, Mark (Kristen) Averett, Arna (Aaron) Vick, and Sheri Averett. She is also survived by her great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
As per her wishes, no formal services will be held. A private family gathering where they will put Lois to rest will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.
