Diane Sue Hilsmeyer Leon, 80, Huntingburg
Diane Sue Hilsmeyer Leon, 80, of Huntingburg, passed away at 3:30 a.m., on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand.
She was born March 9, 1943, in Huntingburg to Ewald Franklin and Virginia Katherine (Shurig) Hilsmeyer.
She grew up outside Holland, Ind., farming with her family, where she developed a life-long interest in playing the piano.
Diane graduated from Stendal High School in 1961. She earned her undergraduate degree from Oakland City College and continued her higher education by obtaining a Master’s in Education from Indiana State University. She taught kindergarten to sixth grade during a 33-year career that spanned Dubois and Pike County. She began teaching at Holland Elementary School before moving to Dubois Elementary School. She then taught at Otwell Elementary before settling into her preferred grade of Kindergarten, where she remained in education and influencing children for twenty-seven years at Winslow Elementary School.
She nurtured life-long friendships among teachers, administrators, parents and students; always considering them family, celebrating their victories and lamenting their losses.
Her dedication to service continued in her retirement in 1997, when she became an active member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association, often winning annual recognition for volunteer hours.
She continued to support the Winslow Elementary Eskimos by volunteering as a teaching assistant for several years. Her deep connection to Pike County contributed to her involvement with the Pike County Christian Assistance and “Somebody’s Place,” where she served as the President of the Board during the expansion and construction of their current facility.
She was a lifelong member of Zoar United Methodist Church, where she began her public piano playing in her teen years. Her worship through music continued throughout her playing piano and organ for multiple churches in the area, as well as weddings and funeral services. She most recently served as Organist for Bethel General Baptist Church, Stendal, Indiana. Both the Zoar and Bethel congregations held a place in her heart.
She was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Huntingburg.
Diane’s many and varied service opportunities included crocheting throws, quilting lap blankets for nursing homes and shelters, as well as serving on the Pike County Foundation Scholarship Committee, and driving for Boy Scout Troop 182, Jasper, and 4H programs.
Diane enjoyed traveling through the United States and abroad; she recalled fondly her many travels through Ecuador. She reminisced about getting lost and exploring the backstreets of Paris, France and Vienna, Austria.
Diane married Dr. Mario Leon of Quito, Ecuador, on December 20, 1974.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Mario Leon, 2000; a son, Brett Hilsmeyer, 2019; a brother, Gerald Hilsmeyer, 2004; and an infant sister Carol Hilsmeyer, 1953.
She is survived by two children, Brian (Kaci) Leon of Liverpool, N.Y. and Kristina (Scott) Reed of Crestwood, Ky.; three grandchildren, Chase (Malin Pirnay) Hilsmeyer and two granddaughters; one great-grandchild; dear friends, Tom Benner and his daughter, Delaney.
Funeral services for Diane Leon will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Nass and Son Funeral Home, with Pastor Steven Selby officiating. Burial will take place at Zoar Cemetery following the funeral service.
Friends may call for visitation on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Zoar United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be shared online at www.nassandson.com.
