Shirley Ward Dieter

Shirley Ward Dieter, age 99 died on June 4, 2023, at Attic Angel, surrounded by her family.  She had a strong and forever generous heart.  She was born in Big Rapids, Michigan on April 29, 1924, where she attended elementary and high school. 

Living in a small town and spending summers at a nearby lake cottage fostered a lifelong love of nature and the out-of-doors.  Her further education included an Associate of Arts Degree from Stephens College, Columbia MO, a BS in chemistry from the University of Michigan, and a year of clinical training in Medical Laboratory Technology at Madison General Hospital.

She met and married Dr. Donald G. Dieter of Madison in 1948. 

Shirley is survived by her sons, Ward (Debra) and Daniel (Susie); Grand-daughters, Lindsey Bushart (Dana), Julia and Lauren Conner-Dieter; great-granddaughter Daphne Bushart; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Proceeding her in death are her husband of 57 years, Dr. Donald G. Dieter, her parents, Eugene and Beulah Ward and her brother, William H. Ward.

Her interests and activities focused on family, volunteering and participating as a member of many organizations.  She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Attic Angel Class of 1962, Chapter AX of P.E.O. since 1956 and Blackhawk Country Club since 1953. She and Don were Charter members in 1958 of Ridgewood Pool.  She volunteered at The Arboretum, delivered Meals on Wheels and was a Braille Transcriber.

She enjoyed Badger Sports, golf, bridge, gardening and especially the unspoiled Dieter land in Grant County, WI.

The family would like to thank the Attic Angel staff for 7 years of dedicated and loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 1, from 1-4 p.m. at Blackhawk Country Club,  3606 Blackhawk Drive, Madison, WI,  53705

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials can be made to Attic Angel Association, 640 Junction Rd., Madison, WI  53717 OR The University of Wisconsin Arboretum Endowment, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI  53711-3226 (https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/donate) OR Cottey College 1000 W. Austin Blvd. Nevada, MO. 64772 (a P.E.O. Project)