Harriette Ellis Diven

Harriette was born in Concordia, Kansas and grew up there. She was initiated into P.E.O. when she was 19. She loved this philanthropic, educational organization for women and it was an integral part of her life. She was a member for 78 years. She also met her future husband, Lyman, in Concordia, and they were married in St Louis, MO on June 24, 1940. They were married for almost 66 years until Lyman’s death in 2006. On Lyman’s return from WWII service as a pilot, they lived in Kansas City, KS where Diane was born. In 1947, they moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where Lyman accepted a job as Safety Director for U.S. Potash. Nancy was born in Carlsbad in 1951. Harriette continued her involvement in P.E.O. in Carlsbad and held every Chapter office in that organization. She was a Group Leader for Diane’s Camp Fire Group for many years. Harriette was an accomplished seamstress and loving homemaker. She made matching outfits for the girls when they were young; cheerleading outfits, school clothes, and prom dresses during their high school years; and veils and bridesmaid dresses when they married.

Harriette loved the game of Bridge and played socially with friends throughout her life. She enjoyed attending Bridge parties and especially loved hosting them. When she reached her older years and no longer played outside the home, she played Bridge on the computer and was forever frustrated by her computer-generated opponents’ lack of skill!

In 1966, Harriette and Lyman moved to California and lived there until they retired in 1978. While Harriette had always been a homemaker, in Boron she worked outside the home for the Muroc Unified School District from 1966 until retirement in late 1978. She held clerical positions in the maintenance department and the school counseling department. Her favorite job, however, was as Librarian at Gephart School. She was a natural and this role allowed her to explore her love of books.

With retirement in late 1978, Harriette and Lyman moved to Boise, ID to be with Diane and their grandson, Jeff. Another grandson, Todd, was born in 1979. Harriette relished being a grandmother and spent hours reading with both boys, and attending all of their sporting and other school events as they grew up. She was an extremely important part of their lives.

In 1994, Harriette and Lyman followed Diane to Castle Rock, where they lived for most of their remaining years, other than a few short years they spent in Concordia, Kansas.

Harriette was a gracious lady, with a lively spirit, and a twinkle in her eye. She was always ready to help someone in need and was a ferocious advocate for her daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons.

Harriette is survived by her daughters, Diane Bullock (Bob) and Nancy LaMoureaux (Darrell); her two grandsons, Jeff Pankratz, (Jayne) and Todd Pankratz (Kseniya Karetnikova), and one great grandson, Braxton (Jeff and Jayne).

Harriette was preceded in death by her husband, Lyman, her parents, and all of her siblings and their respective spouses. She was the last surviving member of this generation of her family.

A private graveside service will be held in Concordia, Kansas. No date has been set. Memorials may be sent to Cottey College, (a PEO affiliated girls college), 1000 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772, or New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109.