LoRee G. (Popp) Dietz, 90, of Hays, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas, passed Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Via Christi Village in Hays.

LoRee was born March 24, 1928, in Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of William and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp.  She was Baptized and Confirmed in the Reformed Lutheran Church.   She grew up in the Susank, Kansas area and graduated from Hoisington High School.  She then attended Ft. Hays State University and obtained a Teaching Degree.  She taught two years at North Star Dist #62 and two years at Rude School Dist. #91.

LoRee was united in marriage to Elroy Dietz on September 10, 1950 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two children, Melinda and Martin.  They made their home on the farm near Russell.

LoRee was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She helped Elroy on the farm and kept the books for the farm.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School.  She was a cooking leader for the Sunflower 4-H Club.  She enjoyed helping on the farm, sewing, cooking, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her husband of 68 years, Elroy of the Home; daughter, Melinda Olson (Robert) of Russell, Kansas; son, Martin Dietz (Linda) of Russell, Kansas; three sisters, Delores Hanhardt of LaCrosse, Kansas, Theresa Dietz and Shirley Maier both of Great Bend, Kansas; four grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

LoRee was preceded in death by her parents, son Richard Dietz, and brother Vernon Popp.

Celebration of LoRee’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church.  Private burial of ashes will take place at a later date.  The family will be present to greet friends from 10:00 AM to Service Time at the church.  No visitation being held at the mortuary.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.