Mary Ann Diehl went to her heavenly home Easter day, March 27, 2016 at the Mercy Hospice Johnston in Johnston, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albert City. Burial will follow in the Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made designated to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Ann Willett, daughter of Edwin (Bud) and Esther Willett was born in Rock Island, Illinois on August 14, 1923. She spent her childhood there, along with her brother Richard and sister Barbara. After attending Augustana College, she joined the Women’s Army Corps. Upon completion of her service, taking advantage of the GI Bill, she attended UCLA and the University of Iowa Law School, and was at that time one of only two women in the graduating class of 1950.

It was there she met her future husband, Robert H. Diehl. They married in 1949 and moved to Albert City Iowa following graduation to begin a successful law practice together. While serving as a State Representative, Robert passed away unexpectedly, and Mary Ann was left to raise three young children herself. She worked as an attorney for more than 50 years, with law firms in Albert City and Storm Lake, Iowa. Her remaining days were spent enjoying visits and trips with family and friends.

Mary Ann lived a life of service and care for others. She served in various positions of leadership including advisor to the Albert City town council, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church board member, Grandview University Board of Trustees, National Council for the Lutheran Church of America, the national grievance committee for the Evangelical Lutheran of America and Lutheran Social Services of Iowa. She was recognized by the Iowa State Bar Association for 50 years in the practice of law in 2000. An advocate for those in need, Mary Ann “lived out” her walk with Christ, through her generous, yet humble spirit. Her many kindnesses and her quiet example of strength, courage and integrity were admired by all.

Left to celebrate her loving legacy is her children, Dick Diehl, Jim (Ellen) Diehl, and Susan (Jeff) Mitchell. Grandchildren include Julia (Brian) Allison and step great-grandchild Haylee, Sarah (Brett) Hatten and great-grandchild, Lillian, Drs. Evan (Dr. Ursula) Diehl, Melinda (1st Lieutenant Juan Pablo) Sanchez and Jessica Mitchell. Mary Ann is survived also by her sister Barbara Seyfarth, seven nieces and nephews, special lifelong friends Leone Buse and Helen Rasmussen, as well many other friends too numerous to mention. Preceding her in death was her husband Robert H. Diehl, parents, brother Richard Willett, and daughter-in-law Dusty Diehl.

Perhaps poet James Weldon Johnson said it best, “Weep no more, weep no more. She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.”

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