Diane Briggs

Diane Pope Briggs passed away peacefully on March 1, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana from complications of congestive heart failure. She lived her life as a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a devoted wife and mother. Diane was a quiet, gentle soul with a steel determination. Her fondest memories were made in the Big Hole and Medicine Lodge Valleys of Beaverhead County. Many friends counted her as a mentor and advocate. She was born June 23, 1943 in Park City, Utah to Reese and Margaret Pope during a heavy snowstorm similar to the one occurring in Billings during her passing. Diane knew hardship and faced many of life’s challenges with optimism and a remarkable measure of endurance. She was an accomplished seamstress, musician, artist, and homemaker. Her most distinctive qualities were a love of literature and a passion for Gospel learning. Grandma Diane was devoted to her grandchildren, who hold precious memories of her tender care for them. She had a beautiful singing voice that seemed to make the world stop for a moment—soothing many a troubled soul in times of despair. Diane loved nature, spending memorable times with her family going on picnics enjoying wildflowers, wildlife, and mountain streams. She spent a good many years of her life a modern-day pioneer woman and endeared herself to countless hard-working ranch families. She is survived by her loving husband, Boyd Briggs, son Milton (Stacey), son Bill (DeAnn), daughter SandyKay, son Mike (Kadie), and daughter Keri Wendt (David), brothers Dick Pope, Glenn Pope (Patrice), and Sister Colleen Cheney (Mel) along with her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Steven. Her family is grateful to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Vincent Hospital, White Sulphur Springs Hospital, and emergency responders. Special thanks to Julie Briggs for her loving care of our mother at this time. Many thoughts and prayers were felt during her passing. A memorial service will be held in White Sulphur Springs at 403 West Houston Street at 1:00 PM in the LDS Church Building on Thursday, March 7th. Visitation at the Lima LDS church on 31 South Harrison Street will be on Saturday, March 9th beginning at 11:00 AM. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Interment at Lima Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.