Diane West-Mott
July 31, 1938 – October 12, 2022
On October 12, the world lost a beloved mother, grandmother and wife, talented artist, and women’s issues advocate when Diane West-Mott passed on in Billings, Montana. The daughter of Gene and Genie West grew up on a ranch outside of Santa Fe, N.M., where she developed a love and caring for horses and cattle. She was the Rodeo de Santa Fe Queen in 1954 and graduated in 1956 from Santa Fe High School.
Coming from an artistic family, Diane had natural talent for painting and drawing, and honed her skills as an artist, mainly attending art school at the Kansas City Art Institute.
In 1959, while working at Bishop’s Lodge, a dude ranch resort outside of Santa Fe, she met Ed Mott, a handsome young New Mexico cowboy. She and Ed were married in January 1960, and purchased their own ranch in Park Valley, Utah in 1962, where they raised four sons—John, Taylor, Casey and Thomas. The sons still remember Diane leaving sodas and candy bars on the fence posts for them when they had been out gathering cattle. She was involved in all aspects of ranching including riding, gathering, vaccinating and calving. Diane and Ed started a 4-H chapter in Park Valley and spent many years serving as its leaders, guiding a number of 4-H members to capture awards.
Three years after the birth of their daughter, Kate in 1976, the Motts headed north, purchasing a ranch near Columbus, Montana. In the ensuing years, Diane continued her passion for art, studying art at Eastern Montana College in Billings. When the family chose to move to a ranch in Augusta and several years later Simms, Montana, Diane studied theology in Great Falls and also served as a hospice counselor. She felt strongly about helping others, especially women. For more than two decades, Diane and Ed hosted foster children and foreign exchange students.
She was renowned by the family for her ability to create beautiful, green yards with expansive vegetation and gardens, even though living in the arid West.
In 2015, following the tragic loss of their home in a fire, the Motts sold their ranch in Simms and purchased a ranch north of Miles City, Montana, where they continued to enjoy horses, cattle and ranching. Ed passed away in January, 2021. The family is comforted knowing their beloved parents are now reunited.
Diane is survived by sons John, Taylor (Anna Booth), Casey (Rebecca Colnar), and Tom (Patty Shaughnessy) and daughter Kate Morrow (Bill Morrow) a sister Sue West (Ted Dimas), seven grandchildren – Ty, Aiden, Edward, Fiona, James, Adelaide and Kai, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kimber says
Thoughts and prayers to the Mott Family.
Aaron and Mollie Phipps says
So sorry for your loss, she leaves quite a legacy in her children!
Connie oman says
John Taylor Casey Tom and Katie , We have a lot of fond memories of your mom & dad and you kids in Park ally. What a time we had with you all. Your mom was the best.always made me feel good. And so very talented. And a very good friend to me and others. Take care of one another. Love you. Nolin & Connie Oman. ❤️
Rosanne (Rains) Jones says
If only everyone could be like your Folks. They gave inspiration, care and love to everyone. They helped me with Lennard Accident and care. They have a special place in my Heart. My best wishes Mott family.. They raised you the right way. Rosanne
Sheila Miles says
Oh she was such a wonderful personality and support to me when she was my student at MSU (EMC), Billings in the early 80’s when she was in my art class. I have had thousands of students over the years but always remember Diane and when commitment along with our conversations.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Sara Scholten says
I never met Diane, but I wanted to extend my condolences & thanks. I adopted a horse in 2017 that I believe was hers back in 2005. His name is Two Bars Monte, I call him Big Red! He’s 18 now & living his best life here in Missouri. Wishing I could have have shared this with her personally. He’s my 1200 lbs of therapy & joy everyday!