Dianne Mary Undem O’Neill, age 75, loving, devoted, faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 12, 2015, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dianne was born April 25, 1940, in Terry, Montana, the daughter of Nels and Julia Smalis Undem. The oldest of three girls, she spent her formative years in Prairie County. She was raised on the Undem Ranch, a place always near and dear to her heart which created the foundation for her life. Dianne graduated from Terry High School in 1958, attended MSU (then Montana State College) until 1960, and graduated from Iowa State University in 1962 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Home Economics Education and Extension, now Family and Consumer Science (FCS). She was member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
Dianne married Frank O’Neill, the love of her life, on December 2, 1967. Together they raised three sons: Steven, Patrick, and Michael. The O’Neill’s lived and raised cattle on the Undem Ranch north of Terry and felt it their privilege to be carrying on the family ranch. Dianne’s true joy was her sons and grandchildren. Raising their family on the ranch was very important to her. Her character was marked with unconditional love, kindness, compassion, complete devotion, industrious work ethic, humorous remarks, endless giving, and selfless sacrifices of time and energy for family, friends, and students. Dianne’s life priorities were Faith, family, education, and 4-H.
Her passions include her family, teaching Home Economics, 4-H, gardening, sewing, cooking, canning, knitting, and baking. Picking and canning chokecherries was a yearly highlight for Dianne. As her family grew up, 4-H was a priority in their lives and Dianne spent 25 years serving as a 4-H Leader. She especially enjoyed all forms of needlework especially Hardanger (Norwegian embroidery), crocheting afghans, and organizing scrapbooks of family photos.
Dianne’s professional life was spent serving as County Extension Agent in Fallon and Carter Counties; Area Home Economist for the Montana Extension Service in Bozeman; Domestic Science Teacher in Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland; and FCS Teacher at Terry High School for 26 years. She retired in 2005 after working at the Office of Public Instruction in Helena as Montana State Specialist for FCS and State FCCLA Advisor for four years. Dianne made many close friends in the world of FCS that have spanned a lifetime. Dianne was gifted in teaching and had the ability to recognize, guide, nurture, and develop students in and beyond the classroom.
Dianne was a member of national, regional, and local organizations: FCS, Cattlewomen, Republican Women, and Prairie County Extension Homemakers.
Dianne truly loved Eastern Montana, especially the family ranch in Prairie County. She often went home after school to help with whatever needed to be done at the ranch. She thoroughly enjoyed preparing the many meals she served to family, friends, neighbors, guests, and ranch help. Dianne treasured company and entertaining at the ranch, which has been home to four generations of her family. Upon retirement Frank and Dianne lived in Miles City but home was always the ranch.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents Nels and Julia (Smalis) Undem and her infant brother Nikki. She is survived by her husband Frank of Miles City/Terry; her son Steven (Connie) grandchildren Kaitlin, Grady, Taylor, and Payton of Groton, SD; son Patrick of Terry; son Michael (Theresa) grandchildren Kelli, Reid, Grant, and Grace of Great Falls; her sister Donna Lehman of Maxwell, NB; her sister Connie Bosman of Tucson, Arizona; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Terry Community Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Terry Community Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015, followed by graveside services at the Prairie County Cemetery. Dianne was looking forward to having Thanksgiving with her family, so her family desires that everyone share in an early Thanksgiving dinner celebrating her life immediately after graveside services. The dinner will be a potluck dinner at the Bolin Multi-purpose Room in Terry. Roast beef and potatoes will be provided by the family and guests are asked to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert if able.
In lieu of flowers, Dianne requested that any donations be made to the Prairie County 4-H Council, the Montana 4-H Foundation, the Prairie County Museum, the Evelyn Cameron Foundation, or the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday November 20, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
6:30 p.m.
Friday November 20, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday November 21, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday November 20, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
6:30 p.m.
Friday November 20, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday November 21, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave.
Terry, Montana 59349
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Ray & Rebecca Gookin says
Sending our condolences.
I’m so glad I met Dianne, although briefly.
She was a strong person. God rest her soul.
We really enjoyed our visits in the hospital, especially when Jan was there.
They had fun remembering days gone by. Rest in peace Dianne.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Our hearts are breaking with yours at the loss of one amazing lady. Dianne offered so much of herself to her family, our school and our community. Most of all she was a vibrant, kind, talented lady whom we will sure miss. Our prayers go out to her family for comfort and peace beyond all understanding for today and for all the days to come until you meet again.
Jim and Toni Reetz says
Diane was the county agent when I was in 4-H in the 1960’s. She has always been a favorite person of mine. May God Bless you.
Craig, Twila, Tate, Tel & Annika Lunde says
What a great person Dianne was! Still remember her teaching us calligraphy in home ec among many other valuable lessons. She was a true family person. Prayers and thoughts to her family. Your loss is heaven’s gain. God bless you all.
Cheyenne Glade Wilson says
Mrs. O’Neill will always hold a very special place in my heart. She encouraged me through a very trying time when I was younger. She helped me to understand how neat it was to be unique and to embrace that. I will remember her kindness forever. She wrote to me throughout the years and I have kept every single letter. My heart breaks for all of you. She was such an amazing gal. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. O’Neill (I still can’t call her Dianne) will be missed by so many. Hugs and prayers to you all!
Andrea Miller says
Mrs. O’Neill was a great home economics teacher along with being a great neighbor up north. She will be greatly missed as she did a lot for the community of Terry and for 4-H. Sympathy goes out to all her family and friends during this very difficult time.
Jan Mccuin Cornutt and DJ says
Sending our condolences,
We had fun on our Bozeman trip, also helping her peeling her apples. She was a good person and we well miss her.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Frank, Pat and families
So sorry for your loss, our thougths and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Remember the good times.
Peggy Wilson Latrielle says
The ripple effect of Dianne’s positive influence will be felt for many years to come. To Dianne’s family, if you get the opportunity, please check the “Boomers of Terry, Montana” Facebook page. There has been a huge outpouring of love, admiration, and respect since I placed the notice of Dianne’s death after getting the call from Elarian the day Dianne passed. What a wonderful legacy she leaves!
Cathy Byron says
I’m stunned to learn of Dianne’s passing. We taught together at Terry in the late 1960s. She sewed her white velvet wedding dress that fall, and planned a beautiful Christmas season wedding. She was so kind and thoughtful of both staff and students. I valued her friendship though the years took us into busy lives miles apart. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May it be of comfort to know that she blessed many during her days on this earth.
Amelia Doll says
Dianne was the state FCCLA advisor when I was a state officer. She put up with our groups crazy antics and encouraged me to run for national office. She will be missed. She was a wonderful person!
Deb Bergeson-Graham says
I remember Diane helping the youth group at the Presbyterian Church make cinnamon rolls for a chili supper fund raiser. She was so willing to help us and the cinnamon rolls were great. I’m confident she is resting in the arms of a loving God. May great memories bring you comfort and peace.
Vikki Robertson says
I met Dianne when my daughter was an officer in FCCLA. She was a great advisor and really encouraged those kids to be the best she new they could be. We exchanged Christmas cards for a few years then lost touch. She was an Awesome person. She will be missed
Melaney Swenson says
I am so grateful for the wisdom and kindness Mrs. O’Neill shared with her students and the community. Not only did she teach us practical skills, she taught us how to be good people. As you go through the journey of grief, I pray you feel the love of the Terry community both near and far. God bless you.
Linda Lentz says
Our friendship grew throughout the years, and what I learned from Dianne far outweighs anything I learned in a book. Dianne will be missed by the countless lives she touched and she will be loved by them all. Thank you for being my friend.
Bill and Candy Loehding says
Our hearts go out to all of Diane’s family! She was one special gal, we knew her before we lived in Terry, and she was one of those that made us feel welcome in that community. We always enjoyed our visits with her through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Jody Haidle says
Dianne was a very dear friend. She has touched so many people’s lives through school, FCCLA and as an involved community member. She was a mentor to many FCS teachers! Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love and prayers, Jody
Randy and Vicki Fix and family says
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. O’Neill during FCCLA. She was such a sweet kind soul. She had an amazing wit about her. That twinkle in her eye and that little grin. I remember when the State Officer team challenged her to do the ropes course. No problem for Dianne. May God give you all peace and comfort and beautiful memories of a beautiful lady! Our prayers are with you all.
Myrna and Gary Ryti says
My friendship with Dianne began in the fall of 1945 when we both entered first grade in Terry. Dianne and I were classmates and friends throughout our school years. She was a leader in our class and continued to lead in other capacities. Dianne was always so very proud of her Norwegian heritage. To all of Dianne’s family, our sincere sympathy. Gary and Myrna Ryti
Janice & Vernon Kaul says
So sorry to hear about Diane. She was a wonderful person & classmate of ours. Our sincere sympathy to the family.
Diane Hoffman says
She is one of my few relatives, my cousin and I will miss her. Thank you Dianne for always thinking of me!
Kathy Major Stieg says
I first knew Dianne when she was our County Agent… I loved her as our agent. She had a big impact on my work in 4-H. My sympathies to her family and Donna and Connie… and families. She was a wonderful lady.
Jennifer O'Connor says
Sorry to hear about Diane. She was a great lady to work with through OPI. She was very kind and helpful for Jordan’s FCCLA and FHA programs. I enjoyed working with her over the years!
Sonja Crocker says
Dianne and I met through CattleWomen many years ago and maintained our friendship over the years…a special lady. She will be missed, as she shared her many talents with so many of all ages. May our Lord give you comfort. Sonja
Sharon Higgins says
Diane was a special person in my life. I knew her when she was the county agent in Fallon & Carter Counties. She enhanced my love for 4-H work and inspired me to continue with it as a parent and a leader. I am so sorry that she had to have this health issue and leave us at such an early age. May God Bless & Comfort all of her family. Sharon Higgins
Jennifer Peabody says
Dianne was one of the first ladies to mentor me when I moved to Ekalaka to teach. She was so kind and helpful. Over the years Dianne continued to check on me and offer words of advise and encouragement whenever I had ups and downs. She loved her family and the ranch and always shared stories of life in Terry. She still had time to devote to her profession. What an amazing lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She will be remembered with a smile and love by so many.
Alan and Marilyn Hutchinson says
Our sincere sympathy. She was a great lady.
Delite & Darren says
Frank and boys,
So sorry to hear of Dianne’s passing. She was such a brave and courageous fighter against her cancer. Fond memories of her teaching me in Home-ec as a substitute teacher. What a great person.
Elysia Huber says
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. Have lots of wonderful memories of her classes in high school. Your family is in my prayers.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
I am saddened to learn of Dianne’s passing. She was a spark plug for 4-H, FHA and home economics. She raised 3 wonderful sons and gave endlessly of herself. If I had a home economics 4-H question our agent, Jack Jeakins, would tell me, “Call Dianne O’Neille. Prayers and sympathy for the family.
Larry Torstenbo says
Diane was a to notch educator who made a difference! Her legacy will live on for generations! It was a privilege to know her and observe her many contributions to others in the field of education! ” Rest in Peace” until we meet again!
Julianne Harris says
Diane will always hold a special place in my heart. She taught me so much. She saw abilities in me that I didn’t see in myself and encouraged me in the right directions. Though I know I tried her patience as my teacher, I always knew that she wanted the best for me. She is so dear to me and I will be forever thankful to her. She is now in the presence of pure love and when I get to heaven, I look forward to giving her a hug and a big thank-you. I pray for comfort and peace for the family. I’m sorry I will not be there for the funeral, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Straub says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and sympathy for all of Dianne’s family.
Jeanne Lang says
Dianne had so many wonderful qualities! She always took the time to send special notes and always signed them with “hugs”. Oh how I will miss our visits and her wisdom! She dearly loved her family and always shared her joys. To the FCS teachers she was a dear friend and mentor. I have many memories of her from the FCCLA national meeting in Chicago and her constant dedication to our profession. I prayed she would be healed from cancer and her passing is such a loss to so many. She was truly an angel among us!
Aletta Shannon says
Frank, Boys and families~ No words can express how sorry we are for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that Dianne touched many lives and that her legacy will live on, not only in her family but with those she worked with, taught or knew. She was special and unique and will always be remembered. RIP Dianne! Our Sincere Sympathy~
Kathleen O'Neill Whitten says
i will always remember a young woman – cooking, sewing and joyfully running after her three little boys: Steve, Pat and Mike. Dianne IS a bright light in a dark world – who is so very loved by her husband, my Uncle Frank, family, friends! Dianne will never be replaced, but she will always be remembered. i reflect upon her many talents and giving spirit every Christmas. For a wedding gift in 1989, Aunt Dianne made us a beautiful plaid tree skirt of red, gold and green. Like every Christmas since, in a few days Dianne’s tree skirt will lay humbly beneath our tree, bearing gifts – JUST AS DIANNE humbly bowed November 12th beneath the throne of Our Lord Jesus – presenting her beautiful gift of a life well lived.
Todd Devlin says
From the Todd Devlin family to yours ………. we wish you to security of knowing that Dianne is with the Lord. Cherish the blessing you have had by her being a part of your lives. She will be missed, but never forgotten. What an outstanding person!
Avice Hoff says
Sincerest condolences are extended to Diane’s family, friends, and former co-workers. She will always be remembered as a gracious and giving lady, positive, reliable, and joyous. May clovers line her pathway to heaven.
Jake & Bree Poppe says
Our sincerest condolences to Dianne’s family. What a wondrous, gracious lady. Feeling honored we were able to know her. Prayers for you all. -J&B
Cindy Barnes says
I was so very sad to hear of Dianne’s passing. I knew her thru FCCLA and as a great mentor for teaching. I remember so many visits about her family and the ranch, and also how to further our profession. She was such a talented, kind person, and her influence will last for many years. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.