Diane J Hrubes Elling 1945-2020

ELLING, HRUBES

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 9/4/2020 at 21:36:34

Diane Joyce Hrubes, age 74, passed away at her home in Windsor, Colorado. She had given cancer a great fight but was called to her home with our God and Savior on the morning of May 7th, 2020.

She was born November 3, 1945 in Garner, Iowa to her loving parents, John and Margaret (Pavelka) Hrubes. She grew up on the family farm south of Duncan, Iowa, where she attended country school. She met the love of her life (Bill Elling) during driver's education class and went on to graduate from Garner High School in 1963. After high school she worked as a secretary at the Farm Bureau office in Garner and at a hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

Diane and Bill's love story is one that many say they aspire to and try to emulate. They began their journey as a family at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church on August 19, 1967 and became a team in nearly everything they did. Their first major road trip was driving to the West Coast for their honeymoon. Road trips together became a favorite past time as they continued to travel throughout the United States, meeting up with family and friends until their final trip to Florida earlier this year.

Art was the center of her marriage to Bill. Together they conquered the arts and crafts show circuit selling Bill's pottery and Diane's crafts. Her friends would often say "Diane was always known for her creativity". She put those gifts to work when she and two other friends opened up their own shop, "It's Original", where their crafts were highlighted. As a talented quilt artist, she shared her gifts by working in a quilt shop after retirement.

Bill and Diane spent nearly 47 years at their home in Estherville, Iowa, where she dedicated her time as a mom to Jim and Michelle. Diane was always their biggest cheerleader when it came to following their activities, cheering on the Estherville Midgets and saving every clipping of their accomplishments.

Her commitment to serving her church went beyond never missing a Sunday service. She took on the role of secretary for St. Patrick's Church religious education program where she worked until retirement. She could be found at St. Patrick's busy as a volunteer, helping organize the "Jesus Kids" Bible School, serving church dinners, organizing the annual rummage sale and making baptismal gowns.

Diane and Bill were always a team. After they retired she worked along side him in his side gig as a talented carpenter.

So many of Diane's friends and family members spent time in the summer watching beautiful sunsets and gazing out at the lake at their cabin on Spirit Lake. For 30 years the lake cabin brought friends and family together for small gatherings and even large anniversary celebrations.

In 2016, team Diane and Bill moved to spend half the year closer to their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in Windsor, Colorado. They loved their mountain view and being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Diane continued her active life and involvement in the church by joining the Lady of the Valley Catholic church and becoming a member of their quilting group.

Diane's life revolved around serving God first, followed immediately by her devotion to her husband, children and grandchldren. Time spent with family was something she treasured most of all.

She was known for her creativity and willingness to help her family and friends when needed. Her smile was gentle and loving and her compassion was always ready to lift up a friend in need. Her favorite pastimes were quilting, completing a variety of puzzles, playing cards, bird watching, sunsets at the lake, traveling and gardening. She will deeply be missed by all, but especially by the family she is leaving behind.

She is survived by her partner for life, best friend and husband, Bill. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to Jim (Kari) and their sons, Kaleb and Zander, and Michelle (Eric) and their son Jake and daughter Alix. Her love of family extended genuinely to her siblings: Sister Darlene and three brothers, Dave (Sharon), Dean and Gerry. She was a special aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenny, sister-in-law Delores, brother-in-law Terry Boho and nephew Rod Boho.