Barbara M. Dietz

Barbara M. Dietz, 90, died on Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Ascension Living St. Anne Center. Born at home on January 9, 1933 in Hampshire; daughter of David Allen and Vern Van Dusen Allen. She was an excellent seamstress who made everything from wedding dresses to quilts. She had a special gift putting colors and textures together. The remnant counter at the fabric store was a favorite, and she was able to create many beautiful things from this. Because she grew up on a dairy farm during the depression, she had to beg for cotton grain bags. She would bleach it and color it with raspberries, grapes or tea. She would then make a pattern from brown paper bags and sew it on the treadle sewing machine. She learned to make bread and sweet rolls at an early age and always made a wonderful meal with dessert for the men who were harvesting the crops. She kept a spotless home and a well manicured lawn. She was never afraid to cut a piece of wood, pour cement or run an air hammer. There was not a piece of machinery she couldn’t operate, including driving a school bus. All the while she kept up with the changing times with computers and cell phones. Everything she did had to be perfect, even if it required her redoing it until it was. She farmed for many years until she became a realtor for around 30 years, most of those spent with Dickerson & Nieman.

Survivors include her son, Roger Ebert and another son and daughter. Predeceased by her parents, a daughter, Shelly Williams and brothers and sisters.

A time of visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Burial to follow in Willowbrook Cemetery, Roscoe. Send condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.