Dian Smith

"Lil' Dian" was born and raised in Southern California and was the only child of George (Smitty) and Mildred (Mitzi) Smith. They traveled extensively while George served in the Marines, but they eventually settled in the Newport Beach area. She graduated from U.C. Santa Barbara with a degree in anthropology, and was a stone and gem collector all of her life.
She married Rusty Riopelle in 1970 and in 1972 they moved to Reno, NV. Dian immediately went to work for Nevada Bell as an operator. She and Rusty eventually purchased their first home on Arlington Ave. Wherein, she became the step mom from heaven, helping raise Rusty's son Tyler, even after their divorce. She continued to climb the stairs of success at Nevada Bell and by the time she took early retirement in 1997, she held the position of Senior Engineer.
Dian loved a good political conversation with friends and acquaintances and was a staunch Republican all of her life. She held her ground and was never easily swayed to change her position on the issues of the day. However, she is best remembered for her generosity and kindness. She had many talents and was able to create the most wonderful things to share with her friends. An avid reader of cooking and gardening magazines, she often took their ideas and improved them to perfection. She is known for the beautiful Afghans she crocheted, her needlepoint designs, her cheesecloth ghosts and the Christmas Moose made from a sock. Her potted plants and hanging begonias out did the best of any nursery in town, and her appetizers, casseroles and "famous" deviled eggs were better than you can imagine.
In 2007, Dian moved her mother, Mitzi, to Reno, as George had passed away several years ago; this was a new beginning for her and "Mom". They purchased a new home, co-mingled their kitty cats and began enjoying the good life. It was during this time that Dian's health issues began. She had twice fought breast cancer only to develop a condition known as scleroderma. In the end, the cancer returned with a vengeance and took her from us way too early. Fortunately, she had a caretaker, "Nannette", who continues to care for Mitzi, and provided for Dian during her last weeks.
Dian is survived by her mother Mitzi, step son Tyler, her kitties', Norm, K.B. & Trilley, along with her many friends from near and far. Her favorite place, away from home, was The Masters, where she entertained and loved her closest friends, especially those who were retired like her. She never forgot a birthday, a small gift at Christmas and always bought a drink for a stranger. She will be more than missed.
A memorial and celebration of her life will be held from 3:00PM until ?? at The Masters, 923 W. Moana Lane, Reno NV, on May 6th 2010 which would have been her 64th birthday.
Friends are invited to share their memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nevada Humane Society in Dian's memory.