Dolores "Dee" L. Diehl

Dolores “Dee” L. Diehl, 87, of Tatesville, PA, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 28, 2026.

Dee was born on November 20, 1938, in Shermans Valley, PA, to the late Elvin C. and Martha (Collins) Ritchey. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Lloyd G. Diehl, with whom she shared a wonderful life in Tatesville.

Dee was a beloved sister, aunt and faithful friend. She was a dedicated Christian whose kindness and love touched everyone who knew her.  Dee lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and unwavering service. She was a passionate student of the Bible who loved sharing the gospel everywhere she went, warmly ministering within her church communities at Shermans Valley BIC and Clear Creek BIC. Even as her battle with Alzheimer’s progressed, her devotion never wavered; she frequently asked those she met, “Are you saved?” Though she did not have biological children, her boundless kindness and nurturing spirit made her a true mother to many.

Dee was proud to be a member of the final graduating class of Robert P. Smith High School in 1957. After high school, she worked at the Beta Shoe Factory in Belcamp, MD, and later at the Everett Sewing Factory. It was during a lunch break there that she met Lloyd, who was working at the local IGA.

Throughout her life, Dee brought vibrant energy and joy to everything she did. She was an award-winning Tupperware saleswoman, she totally loved working alongside her sister Della at the Brite Spot Pizza Shop in Tatesville, and traveled the country with her husband as an escort for Bowman Bus Tours. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping with the Busy Bees Camping Club and riding motorcycles with Lloyd.

Of all her vocations, her most beloved role was driving a school bus for the Northern Bedford County (NBC) School District for many years. Even as her memory faded, running into her former bus students or old friends would instantly bring a bright light to her face and she would give them a warm hug. Dee truly loved being around people, whether she was at church gatherings, playing games, doing crafts, collecting recipes, or cooking delicious meals for others. For many years she enjoyed decorating and cooking having all the family to her house for the holidays.

Dee was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Lloyd; her parents; her brother, Elvin “Jr.” Ritchey; and her nephew, Terry Clark.

She is survived by her loving family, including her sisters, Della Mae Clark of Tatesville, PA, Carolyn R. Smith (and her husband, Harley) of Waynesboro, PA, and Corrine Ritchey, Bloomfield, NM along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her family extends their heartfelt appreciation and a special thanks to all of Dee’s friends for the immense love, care, and support they provided her over the past few years, especially as her mind faded. They are also incredibly grateful for the loving care she received at Rebecca’s Personal Care Home in Everett, PA, over the past several months.

Burial will be a private family graveside service. In accordance with her wishes, a Hymn Sing will be held at her church as a celebration of her life, with the time and date to be announced at a future time.

If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dee to the Clear Creek Brethren in Christ Church, Everett, PA.

Arrangements by Akers Funeral Home, Inc., 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA 15537.

 Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

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