Dione Zale Beard

Many things can be said about Dione Zale Beard. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth, and her conscientious demeanor. She was gentle yet organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Dione was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her.

Dione was born on May 9, 1957 at Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana. Her parents were Edwin and Dione Zale. Dione was raised in Las Vegas. Even as a child, Dione demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her. Dione grew up with four siblings. She had her oldest brother, Ed, two older sisters, Zouri and Tara, and her youngest sister, Megan. Dione was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with her family and the outside world.

As a young girl, Dione was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Dione could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in volleyball. She was a 4-H, a Candy Striper, in the Honor Society, and in the German Club. In her spare time she liked horses, school, and making Halloween costumes. Dione's memorable achievements included winning multiple spelling bees.

During her high school years, Dione was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Valley High School in 1974 at 17 years old, having completed her coursework early. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. Always considered a “great” friend, Dione sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Dione always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Stacy Yaraus Lewis and Mary Solarno. Later in life, she became friends with Kim Guerrero.

On January 7th, 1979 Dione married Christopher Stephen Beard at the Las Vegas County Courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted, Dione worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Christopher came first in Dione’s book. This is just one more example of how Dione was truly a person of empathy.

Dione’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a great mother to her children. Dione demonstrated these values with her two daughters, Morgan and Candice, and one son, Heath. Dione was also blessed with five grandkids: Elle, Emmerson, Kellan, Wraylan, and Wridley. Dione was a child at heart and was able to connect to them on their level.

Dione experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a manager at the United States Post Office. She was employed for 38 years by U.S.P.S. Dione always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Dione continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Dione enjoyed playing volleyball with friends, but she really loved watching sporting events, especially her grandchildren’s soccer tournaments.

Dione enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Dione were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Pismo Beach, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Hawaii.

Dione was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Dione's favorite was Mr. White, a French bulldog. They were best friends for 12 years.

When Dione’s retirement finally came in 2016, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in babysitting her grandkids, watching Hallmark movies, and reading. Even in retirement, Dione continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Dione passed away on January 6, 2023 at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. She is survived by her husband, Christopher, and her three children, Morgan, Candice, and Heath.

Throughout her life, Dione was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Dione leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Dione Zale Beard.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 2pm on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd. Las Vegas.