Dianne Leigh Gray, 63, loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and dear friend passed away on August 15, 2016 in Helena, MT. Dianne was the daughter of Charles M. and Donna S. Gray. Dianne was born February 27, 1953 in Missoula, MT. Soon after, her family moved to Helena and she graduated from Helena High School in 1971. She received her undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University. She later served a welfare mission for the LDS church in Resistencia Argentina from 1979-1981. Her greatest joy was teaching and helping others. She taught special education in the St. George, Utah school district for nearly 30 years. She returned to Helena to be closer to family in 2007. Dianne was beloved and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Donna and her father Charles. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Edward M. and Mary Kay Gray (Helena), sister and brother-in-law, Ray W. and Laura Kathleen Torella (Spokane), nephews David, Adam, Aaron, nieces Erin and Ariel, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and her much loved dog, Bella. She will be remembered forever for her tender and inquisitive spirit, laughter and compassion. A funeral service will be held for Dianne on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 1 pm at Retz Funeral Home. Memorials in Dianne’s name may be made to the LDS Missionary Fund, LDS Humanitarian Services, Helena Food Share or the Helena School District-Special Education/Elementary Education.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dianne.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 20, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Saturday August 20, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday August 20, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Saturday August 20, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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abigail kings says
May your family and friends find comfort in God’s promise to “swallow up death forever… and wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Along with the assurance of a time soon when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4. (Acts 24:15). My sincere condolences to your family.
Thea Lou Seese says
Dianna: my dear young friend. We met at an agency that helps others, as she had done all her life. We discovered an interest in film, music and opera and enjoyed those venues.
She will be so missed.
Marsha Alsbury says
Oh sweet Dianna, I will miss you so much. Thank you for the talks and ideas that you shared. Your kind heart and great views on life will continue to be an example to me always.
Sheryl Johnson says
Dianna,
Your compassion and love were the first things I noticed when I met you. Heavenly Father will surely know those about you. I’ll miss your loving spirit.
George Burns says
I came to know Diana over the past few years as we both served on the Board of Directors of the Prairie House Condominium Association. I have been away recently and was saddened at the news of her death. Just a bit more than a week ago we had a long visit and I was most shocked to read of her passing when I returned home. Please accept my sympathy at your loss.
Kim Caldwell and family says
What a shock to hear of her passing! We were glad to be part of her extended church family. She was kind and told me often that she loved my children. I know she enjoyed being around people (even though she said she was shy!). We were happy to have her at our yearly Christmas Eve parties. She will be missed! Our family extends our wishes for peace and comfort.
Larry and Dana Morrison says
We lived in the same ward as Dianne in St. George, Utah about 25 years ago. She has such a sweet spirit. Larry was her Home Teacher for a time and I was her Visiting Teacher. Dianne taught us much thru her example of caring, compassion and humility. She had a strong love for her Savior and the Gospel. Our deepest sympathy to her family at this time of sadness.
Janis Luehr Bingham says
I was astounded to hear of Dianne’s death!! She was a truly good person, way down to the core. I first met her in Junior High and she was a pal of mine. We drifted in and out of touch over the past 50 years, and I just wish I could tell her one last time that she held a special place in my heart. She really cared about people; their feelings, their well-being, everything, on all levels. She will be greatly missed.
Linda Beischel and Rudy Strobbe says
Dianne was our condo neighbor for many years. We were out of town and very shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. We had just heard from her the day before. To all her lovely friends and family, we offer our sympathy. She touched many diverse people in her too short life. We hope all who are missing her will find comfort in gentle memories.
Becki Smith Currey says
While we were growing up in Helena, Dianne was a close friend of my sister Debbie Smith and me. She was such a kind and gentle person. I have fond memories of our time hanging out at my parents’ house. Ed and family–I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
Lori Page says
Ray and Kathleen and all Dianna’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was very upset that the funeral was over and done with before I heard. Dianna and I were good friends, and my heart is very sore that she has passed on. My grief is selfish because it is almost entirely for myself and my own loss. I will miss her. I appreciated so many things about Dianna: her kindness, her gentle heart, her humor, her innate generosity, her insight, her strong opinions, her love of the savior. And I love that she is described in the obituary as having a “tender and inquisitive spirit.” What a good description. She was interested in learning about everything: home repair, art, sign language, she was always ready to learn a new thing. I’m so thankful for the knowledge that there is life after death. May the spirit bring comfort to all those who miss her.