Dianne Ingels Moss

Dianne Ingels Moss Remembered for a Life of Grace, Impact, and Generosity



Dianne Ingels Moss, a distinguished business leader, generous philanthropist, and radiant presence in every room she entered, passed away peacefully in her home in Indian Wells, California, on November 29, 2024. Born in Estes Park, Colorado, Dianne was a woman of substance and grace from the start. She earned a B.S. from the University of Colorado Boulder, later receiving the school's Distinguished Alumni Award, and an M.S. with honors from NYU's Stern School of Business. These academic achievements were the foundation for her passion for education and a remarkable career at the intersection of finance, real estate, and public service. Dianne's professional accomplishments included service on the boards of several NYSE corporations, including Fannie Mae and the Del Webb Corporation. She co-chaired the Mortgage Finance Committee of the National Association of Realtors and founded Cartera Investment Corporation, a Dallas-based private investment and consulting firm. Under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Dianne received presidential appointments to the National Housing Task Force and the National Institute of Building Sciences. She also served on the Board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), advancing U.S. foreign policy through global economic development. In 1995, she married William Moss, a prominent oil executive and political advisor. Together, they were a formidable pair. An A-list couple who brought intelligence, sophistication, wit, and warmth to every setting. Their shared commitment to public service and social change was evident in their support of the Washington National Cathedral's Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation. Dianne also served as a consultant to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, contributing her expertise to the development of church properties across the region. Dianne never saw leadership as a title, but as an opportunity to serve. She played active roles in national politics, not for accolades, but because she believed in the importance of good governance, civic duty, and elevating others to positions of impact.

Dianne believed deeply in the power of education and the dignity of work. Living in Indian Wells, California, she co-founded The Vintage Club Employee Scholarship Fund, which has helped countless employees, and their children pursue higher education and brighter futures. She also gave generously to the arts. She was a loyal supporter of the McCallum Theatre and member of the Board of Trustees. She also served on the Kennedy Center National Committee for the Performing Arts. To those who knew her, Dianne made an impression the moment she entered a room. She was elegance in motion. Impeccably dressed, engaged, and always asking thoughtful questions. But it wasn't just her presence that drew people in. It was her deep interest in others. She had a gift for deeply getting to know each person she encountered and making people feel seen, heard, and deeply valued.



Dianne leaves behind a legacy etched not just in institutions, but in hearts. Her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched carry forward her spirit of generosity, wisdom, and grace. As Kipling wrote, she walked with kings and yet never lost the common touch. In every corner of her life, from boardrooms to garden parties, she led with both strength and kindness.



We will miss her laughter, her counsel, and her light. But we are better individually and collectively, because she was here.



Dianne is survived by her brother, Bill (Joanie) Van Horn, sister Kimber Van Horn, nieces Dr. Jennifer (Joe) Van Horn, Julie (Steve) Gardner, nephews Cody and Justin Van Horn, sister-in-law Jane Van Horn, Erika, Mona, Sharon, fur baby Champ and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Tom Van Horn.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Dianne's legacy of generosity, learning, and grace, the family encourages donations to The Vintage Club Employee Scholarship Fund or the American Heart Association. Mail to: The Vintage Club Employee Scholarship Fund c/o The Desert Community Foundation in honor of Dianne Moss, 75-105 Merle Drive, Suite 300, Palm Desert, CA 92211.