Betty Ann Halling Diebolt

October 2, 1942 – February 28, 2025

 

Betty Ann Halling Diebolt, a woman with a smile that could brighten even the gloomiest day, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. Born on October 2, 1942, in Atchison, Kansas, Betty grew up on a farm, which probably explains her strong work ethic—and her ability to wrangle three kids while moving all over the world.

 

She went to college and became a teacher, with her first teaching job in Nebraska while Jim was going to school for the Air Force. But before all that, Betty and Jim had already known each other for years—they met as children and grew up together. Eventually, their lifelong friendship turned into something more, and they just knew—they were soulmates. When Jim’s Air Force career took him to Alice Springs, Australia (which, if you don’t know, is literally in the middle of nowhere), Betty didn’t hesitate. She packed up and followed him, because, well, soulmates. It was there that their first daughter, Terie, was born.

 

From there, life as a military wife meant lots of moves—Denver, where Lisa was born, then back to Atchison while Jim was stationed in Thailand, where Julie joined the family. And then, because why not, the Air Force sent them all to Tehran, Iran, for three years. Eventually, they landed at McClellan Air Force Base in North Highlands, California, and when Jim retired, they decided they liked Sacramento enough to put down roots on a little street called Los Lunas Way.

 

But before they could settle down for good, the Air Force had one last twist—Jim was sent to Korea for a year, leaving Betty behind with their girls. Her heart was broken. She had endured moves across the world, but this was different. She missed him terribly, and though she kept things together for the kids, she counted the days until he came home.

 

Betty was a born teacher, working at St. Philomene’s Catholic School, where she taught both Terie in fifth grade and later Julie in middle school (which must have been interesting for both of them). Later, she spent years at Fountain Wood Senior Living, where she brought joy to residents and staff alike.

 

Jim passed away in 1994, but Betty never stopped loving him. She remained steadfast in her faith, even when she could no longer leave home, with her dear friend bringing her communion every Sunday.

 

One of Betty’s greatest joys in life—aside from her family—was sending mail. If you ever crossed her path, you probably received a letter, a note, a card, or maybe even a full-on novel detailing her thoughts, her love, or just a funny anecdote. But just as much as she loved sending mail, she loved getting it—especially if it included lottery tickets. Betty had a love for slot machines, but when she couldn’t get to them, scratchers became her next favorite thing. Friends and family knew it, so they made sure to keep them coming, tucking them inside letters and cards, knowing how much joy they brought her.

 

Betty absolutely adored her daughters and grandsons. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by family, which is why she rented a beach house every year for decades—just to make sure everyone had a chance to spend time together.

 

Even in her final days, she never stopped smiling. That big, bright, Betty smile that let you know you were loved. She has left an undeniable mark on all of us, and while we miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband Jim, her parents Pete, Elizabeth and Emmy and her brother Jim. She is survived by her children Terie, Lisa, Julie and children of her heart Elaine, and Mike, her sister Susan, her grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends who loved her dearly. We take comfort in knowing that she and Jim are not only together again but are holding hands, probably laughing and definitely watching over us with love.

 

Betty, you were one of a kind, and we were so lucky to have you. 

 

A ROSARY WILL BE HELD AT CALVARY CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTER RESURRECTION CHAPEL (7101 VERNER AVE, CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA 95621) ON FRIDAY, MARCH 14, AT 5:00PM FOLLOWED BY A VISITATION UNTIL 8:00PM.  A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL ON SATURDAY, MARCH 15, AT 11:00 AM FOLLOWED BY A GRAVESIDE INTERMENT AT 12:00 PM.

 

FLOWERS AND CARDS MAY BE SENT TO THE FUNERAL CENTER.

 

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OR THE NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION (NMFA) IN HONOR OF BETTY DIEBOLT.  DONATIONS TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS WILL HELP SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED AND MILITARY FAMILIES.