Obituary of Emily Diane Derr

Emily "Diane" Derr was born to John and Ernestine "Gale" Konecny in Harrisburg PA on May 29, 1947. She was raised in the countryside of Pennsylvania and developed a keen interest in many things including politics, debate, and animals. Especially animals. Diane loved all creatures. Dogs, cats, burros, snakes, wolverines--even a wayward hunter she encountered. His name was William Derr, and for years to come he would often recount the time -- to his alarm and amazement -- he had witnessed her pet and hold a wild skunk. Diane completely charmed and eventually tamed the hunter, too, and on August 30th, 1965, they married. After a series of moves across country, in 1976 Diane and Bill settled in St. Maries with their three young children. While her husband worked as a mechanic, Diane remained at home where she doggedly coordinated the health and welfare of her family. It was her unwavering trust in natural remedies and vitamins over anything clinical which soon inspired her to start a business selling supplements out of her home, and for several years she was known as 'the Herb Lady' by many locals. Although a mother and homemaker, Diane found other creative interests and occupations. In the 1980's she joined a local theatre group where she found joy performing in plays, staged in the historic Kootenai Inn. After the Inn had shuttered and the group disbanded she transferred her love of theater arts into the hand-crafting of Old West costumes. These she custom tailored for her husband, herself and many others who participated in "Cowboy Action Shoots", a series of events and competitions requiring accurate historic attire. Throughout all of her years, Diane never lost touch with family. She always wanted to know what was happening with her parents, siblings, and many nieces and nephews scattered across the nation. She died on her 73rd birthday, May 29th, at her home in St Maries. She is survived by her children William “BJ” Derr (Tami), Vanessa Ebert (Joe), Novelle Best (Chris), her sister Lana Hanas of Amargosa, NV, 3 grandchildren, Cassian Best, Winston Derr, and Ivy Derr, and 13 nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her husband of 50 years, Bill Derr, and her brother Conrad Konecny. There will be a gathering of friends and family at a later date.