Claudia Earlene Diederich

Born on February 25, 1939, just months prior to the start of WWII, Claudia Earlene Diederich greeted hardship in this life from her very first day. Before her birth, her father Howard Mitchell had tragically died in a solo mercy flight from Salt Lake City to Ely Nevada. Her mother Velna (Ellsworth, later Clay), still young and now widowed, entered the work force leaning on family and friends to help raise Claudia. Claudia lived several places in her youth, most notably for some time in the home of Walt and Jerry Wanlass, whose thanksgiving dinners were second to none.

Claudia had several father figures, and this undoubtedly left her with a unique empathy for any who were sidelined or raised in different circumstance. Perhaps this is also why she fell in love with a poor but charismatic German immigrant named Wilford Diederich. One of their memorable dates was when he invited her to see Frankie Valli in concert at Saltair, where upon arrival he emptied his pockets to discover that there wasn’t enough for two tickets. They missed the concert but she loved him nonetheless. We can’t say if it was for her natural beauty or for her help with his schoolwork, but Wilford loved her too. Against their parents’ best efforts to prevent the union, Wilford and Claudia graduated from high school and were soon after married in the Salt Lake Temple.

Except for having a mutual commitment to Jesus Christ, they started their life together with nothing -- and ended with everything. They enjoyed moderate financial success, an abundant family, and life-long friendships - most especially with Dave and Dawna Barton. Many lasting memories were built with friends and family, living life to its fullest.

Wilford’s hard work and career may have powered their partnership, but Claudia was the force at the wheel, pushing them on to each new project and each new experience, finding a way to make it happen. She served in the church and community, and she tirelessly served and supported her family. Whether president of PTA or primary, as den mother or grandmother, whether from the sidelines of BMX races or gymnastics meets, whether a missionary mom or an inner-city missionary - Claudia did her part in the work and preferred to be outside of the spotlight. If you were down, or if you were hers to protect -- with no regard for fault or reason -she was always in your court.

In her later years, Claudia’s life revolved around her grandchildren. She cared deeply for each of them, and never missed a birthday. With her parting now, fades the memory of endless ski days and camping trips, of gardening and remodeling projects, of countless travels and quests for collectibles, and of Christmas mornings filled with surprise and generosity. We miss you dearly Claudia. May you find peace and adventure in the world to come.

Claudia is survived by her 5 children: Howard (Karalyn) Diederich, Ken (Becky) Diederich, Susan (Gary) Gygi, Mark (Kathleen) Diederich, and Brian (Jenny) Diederich, as well as 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 more on the way. She will also be missed by her sister, Cindy Ellsworth.

Services will be held on Saturday, February, 17 at 10:00 AM at the Holladay South Stake Center located at 4917 South Viewmont Street in Holladay. A closed-casket viewing will be held there at 8:00 AM, preceding the funeral service. Graveside services will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park following the funeral.

Online condolences may be shared at wasatchlawn.com.