Valerie Diane Picard Ellis

Valerie Diane Picard Ellis, known as Diane, passed away at 91in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 2, 2025, and was reunited with her beloved husband, the late F.E. "Tut" Ellis.

Diane was born in Worland, Wyo., on December 12, 1933, to Velma and Vincent "Rusty" Picard. She had an idyllic childhood and was raised with two loving older brothers, M. Dane Picard and Vincent Verl Picard, both of whom have preceded Diane in death.

She met her husband, Tut, while attending the University of Wyoming, and they married on December 28, 1954. They shared 58 adventurous years of marriage. Along with moving their family of five numerous times across the States due to Tut's career, Diane and Tut were very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel all over the world. She loved traveling and was still in awe of all she had been fortunate to see and experience.

Diane was a loving wife and mother who will be remembered as her children's and grandchildren's staunchest cheerleader and an example of steadfast, unconditional love. She truly was the glue that held her family together. Diane was also a passionate book reader and finding the nearest library was near the top of the priority list at each new location the family moved. She loved pecan cinnamon rolls, jigsaw puzzles, needlepointing, walking her dogs and making a delicious apple pie.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two older brothers; and a granddaughter, Darien Jochen.

She is survived by her and Tut's three children, Valerie Jochen and husband John of College Station, Texas, Marley Richards and husband Dan of Spotsylvania, Va., and Kipp Ellis and wife Angela of Sugar Land, Texas. She (affectionately known as Deedee) leaves behind grandchildren, Vincent Jochen, Karis Jochen Myers, Brenan Richards Kane, and Dane Richards; as well as four great-grandchildren, Natalie and Madison Jochen, Diana Kane, and Ben Richards. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Kay Picard of Shoshoni, Wyo. and Jan Ellis of Columbus, Ga.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will take place in College Station, Texas, on December 12, 2025, which would have been Diane's 92nd birthday.

Those interested, in lieu of gifts, are invited to donate to Hospice Brazos Valley, Bryan, TX, or to Hot Springs County Library, Thermopolis, WY.

Dear Mom/Deedee: "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."