ZOOM MEETING LINK FOR SERVICE
Meeting ID: 472 144 4572
Passcode: 836148
With sadness, we announce the passing of Zelda Claudette Lee Diehl, after a battle with cancer. On April 9, 2021, she quietly “slipped out the back door” with no fanfare, as was her style, while surrounded by loved ones, at the Diehl Farm in Townsend.
Zelda was born in Charlo, Montana on April 21, 1938, to parents George and Karene Lee. She is survived by her husband Curt Diehl, sister Cheryl Larson of Provo, Utah, children Sherry, Shay, (Callie), Shawn, (Deanna), Whitney, (Hector), Lisa, (Rick), and Dallas, (Melissa), 40 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
Zelda grew up in St. Ignatius, Montana. After high school graduation, she attended Brigham Young University majoring in Music Theory, with a minor in German. For her next venture, Zelda taught school in Dixon, Montana. In the summer of 1962, while attending an internship at Montana State University in Bozeman, Zelda spotted a familiar face from BYU, a handsome young man named Curt Diehl. He sang his way into her heart, and his perfect pitch sealed the deal. They married November 2, 1962 and were sealed in the Alberta Temple. Later, they returned to BYU for Curt to finish his Bachelor’s degree then on to Nebraska for a short time. In 1966, the call of Montana pulled them back to their beloved state, where Zelda resided for the remainder of her life.
She put her musical genius to service all of her life by playing the piano for countless performances. She sang with Curt for weddings and funerals throughout the community, wrote her own musical numbers, and easily transposed any song that didn’t fit the performance or performer. One of her greatest joys was to lead the Christmas Community Choir. Zelda taught private voice and piano lessons, along with music at the elementary and high school from time to time. Her students learned more than music as she empowered them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Zelda spent 54 years working alongside Curt on the Diehl Farm south of Townsend. They raised sheep, cows, horses, wheat, alfalfa, gardens, their 6 children as well as many foster children and visiting children. She cooked hundreds of meals for her family and friends. They took in foster children, visitors from all over the world, and anyone in need of a respite All who crossed her threshold received love, care, food and validation.
One of Zelda’s favorite holidays was Halloween. She dressed up as a witch and surfaced all over town, without breaking character.
Zelda was devoted to Jesus Christ. She and Curt sent all 6 of their children on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Fulfilling their dream, she and Curt served 3 missions together.
The funeral and viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Townsend. The viewing will be Friday, April 16th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 17th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. with internment following at the Deep Creek Cemetery.
Please join the family and community for a luncheon and celebration of Zelda’s life at the Broadwater County Fairgrounds following the internment from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You are also welcome to join by zoom with the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/4721444572?pwd=ZHVzNTFqVjBra0IrVU5PWFhJd09Ndz09
Meeting ID: 472 144 4572
Passcode: 836148
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday April 16, 2021
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 17, 2021
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 17, 2021
Townsend 4H Center
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday April 16, 2021
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 17, 2021
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 17, 2021
Townsend 4H Center
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Val Hornsveld says
Dear Curt, Dallas and family
Zelda was the kindest most gentle giving soul with nothing more than pure love for her lord, family and friends.
May her memories linger long and get you through this hard time of loss until you meet again. We loved Zelda and will never forget how hard she worked, the music she provided, and her loving words and smile.
God Bless you all Roy and Val Hornsveld
David Ditto says
Curt and family, we are heartbroken over your loss and pray that you will somehow find peace and comfort over time. It came as a shock to us to hear about Zelda’s passing. Zelda was loved by all, we have so many special memories of her and the rest of the family, memories that we will cherish forever. May the Lord bless you.
The Dittos
April Seidel says
I had the privilege of knowing Zelda as a silly young married when we lived in Townsend for a few years. She made a LIFETIME impression on me. She exemplified Christ in such a vivid and real way. She was calm, welcoming, encouraging, comforting and she shared her talents endlessly. She was never too busy to help. She and many others in Townsend set me on a path of lifetime activity and joy in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And as an added bonus, she has kept in touch with me all these 20 years. I was so sad to hear of her passing but know that she is having many joyful reunions with people she loves and who love her. My sincere condolences to Curt and their wonderful family
Lisa Larson says
Diehl family,
I was so saddened by the loss of Zelda. I have such fond memories of Zelda playing accompaniment for numerous music festivals and substitute teaching as we were all growing up. She always had the kindest, most caring heart and a gentle manner about her. She was truly a faithful woman. May God bless you all and and bring you peace and comfort.
Jeanne case says
Zelda was an inspiration to us all…. her example of unconditional love was following the teachings of the Savior!
She was just a wonderful, kind, caring lady whose touch on the piano was unlike anyone on this earth! She loved her family and friends, along with her animals, but especially every lamb and sheep she knew! Her last words to us were the wonder of the baby lambs born this spring! She was in awe of them! We were always in awe of her for all she accomplished … she left such a legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! Love you, Zelda Diehl… jeannie and chuck case, Chad and Darrek Mitchell!
Brenda Lee Exon says
I was so saddened to hear of Zeldas passing! My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends! My heart goes out to you all! She was such an amazing lady and will greatly be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Lisa, my friend I’m sending you hugs! I’ll be thinking of you and your family tomorrow as you guys celebrate the life of your Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
With Love,
Brenda Newville Exon
Eileen Schubring says
No matter how busy Zelda was, when you saw her she always made you feel that being with you was the most important thing she did that day. Love you. Eileen
Aubra Lewis says
I had the pleasure of playing the piano while she led the community choir in singing for many years. Our feelings for each other were expressed through those many notes, and the fact she trusted me with this job always humbled me. The heavens opened and the choir once again sang for her. She will be dearly missed, and I aspire to be a model of kindness like she was.
Loralee Flynn Wilkey says
Zelda was especially influential at a turning point in my life. Gratefully she invited me to help in their home with four then little children, Shay, Shawn, Whitney and Lisa, one summer many years ago. Not only did that opportunity allow me to experience Curt and Zelda’s love for one another and their togetherness as a family, but also to appreciate their genuine faith in Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. Zelda’s example to me of Christlike attributes, willingness to share her talents, her selflessness, kindness, joy in service, music, work, the animals , the farm, family life and much more did and has continued for many ensuing years. Always she not only encouraged me to become my best self, but exemplified a woman of God. May each of you in the family she loves feel divine comfort and assurance of eternal reunion.
Tyler Hunsaker says
Without Zelda, I would never have pursued my love of music, education, and theater as much as I have. Because of her guidance, I joined the San Fancisco Gay Men’s Chorus shortly after moving to California. It is tradition in the Chorus to sing the following Irish Blessing when one of our brothers passes away:
Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm on your face,
And the rain fall soft on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Thank you, Zelda. Your Love, Light, and Joy live on in the music in all of our hearts.
Kevin McDonnell says
Dear Diehl Family,
I wish to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. Zelda was a unique presence in her genuine kindness, musical talent, humor, and resonant faith. Although I knew her only through the community Christmas events, I consider those brief times a privilege. Our solace is in knowing that she is now well.
Jackie Sorenson says
I was moved by the beautiful service for Zelda. Thanks to all who made it possible to be broadcast. Zelda made everyone of us feel so special. I have so much love for her . She is a perfect example of what we all aspire to be. So grateful to have been a small part of this amazing woman’s life.
keith nay says
Curt, so sorry for you and your family’s loss. You are in our prayers. So glad that the Helena Temple was announced, the week prior. I am sure Zelda will be at that sacred dedication. Love, Keith and Vikki Nay