Mary Jeanne Diedrichsen

Memorial services for Mary Jeanne Diedrichsen age 87 formerly of Plainview will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 19th at the United Methodist Church in Plainview. Inurnment will be held at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Plainview. Ashburn Funeral Home in Plainview is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Jeanne Diedrichsen was born on February 4, 1936 to Jesse and Marian(Dikeman) Hamilton near Brunswick, NE and she passed away on August 5, 2023 in Centerville, SD.

Mary was Baptized and Confirmed in the United Methodist Church.  She was a member for 75 years.

Mary attended 1st through 8th grade at Pierce County Rural District 4.  At that time, all rural Pierce County 8th grade graduates were required to take 8th grade exams.  She tied for second highest score in Pierce County.

Mary Graduated from Plainview High School.  She was a member of Band, Pep Band, Vocal Music, and the Student Council.  She was inducted into the National Honor Society.  She was also the winner of a Regent's Scholarship.

Mary earned a BA degree from Wayne State College where she participated in Band, Vocal Music, and was a member of the Katz Club.  She was inducted into the National English Honorary.  She was employed part time at the Wayne State College Library and served as a residence hall monitor (RA).  Following graduation, she taught at the Louisville, NE High School and at the Plainview High School.

She married Fredric Diedrichsen.  They lived at Rolla, MO while Fred completed his service in the US Army.  After returning to Plainview, two children were born:  David and Jane.

Mary was active in her church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group cosponsor, and choir member.  She also served on various church boards and committees.  She was a member of the Plainview Historical Society and served on the Board of Directors.  She served two terms on the Library Board and assisted with fund raising for the new library.

Her family became members of a camping group known as "The Crickers" and spent many memory making times with the group.  They all became lifelong, faithful friends.

Mary was employed by a Maryland Research Group doing testing in schools and attended training in New Orleans, LA and Los Angeles, CA.  She founded and managed the "Stitch and Step" store in downtown Plainview.  She had a home based business: "The Upstairs Sewing Room".  She was employed part time at Marge's, Alderman’s Variety store, and Casey's.

She loved her family with a devoted, everlasting love and was so proud of their many achievements.  She was an avid reader.  She enjoyed gardening, especially experimenting with new and unusual flowers.  She loved animals and had an affinity for them.  She enjoyed feeding the birds and kept a record of bird sightings.  She was taught carpenter skills by her father which she used to perform home repairs as well as create new items.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Robert Hamilton.  She is survived by her son David, daughter Jane Stolz, granddaughter Amanda Jeanne Stolz, and Hamilton and Dikeman cousins.

Mary passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by immediate family members.