Dian Martin Bates

Born in Massachusetts, Dian was the firstborn daughter of four children. Dian was raised in a devoutly Christian home. With her father, a minister by profession, and her mother, faith played an important role in how Dian lived, loved, and throughout the years this faith was fundamental in her approach to life.

Summers and family time were often spent on the sandy shores of Long Beach Island, NJ. Later, when Dian had children of her own, family time again was spent at this beautiful place, where Dian shared her love for the island, the sea, and the sand with her children. Instilling in them her passions for the ocean.

Dian spent much of her career shaping Colorado’s Department of Education, Adult Education programs. As stated by a former colleague, “Dian truly put us on the map for innovative leadership and genuine commitment to the field”. Later, as Dian needed to be near her own aging mother, and determined to continue to lead wherever she went, Dian took her skills to New Jersey, where she also took an active role in their Adult Education program. Back home again in Colorado, after several years in New Jersey, and now retired, Dian continued a life of service becoming involved with the Douglas/Elbert County Task Force. Here she continued to share and help to meet the needs of the community.

Her smile was shared freely and easily and inspired and warmed the hearts of all those around her. She gave of herself, her time and her many talents generously. She created timeless works of art through paper and pen. Her greeting cards were shared with family and friends near and far. Many of these cards to this day are still displayed on mantels, walls, and desks by those that loved her and treasured the gift.

As the eldest sibling, including 2 ministers, and a doctor, Dian’s devotion to service through Education, was a natural expression of her upbringing and her unending faith. Her mother’s name was Diana, from Acts 19:28 – ‘Diana the Great’, and as a daughter, a sister, a mother, Dian truly lived up to her given name.

Proverbs 31: 25-31 (GNT)

She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.

She speaks with a gentle wisdom.

She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.

Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.

He says, "Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the Lord should be praised.

Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.

Survived by her Children:

Ewing Duane Bates -- Son

Dianne Bates Richard -- Daughter

Martin Douglas Bates -- Son

Siblings:

Russell Gilbert Martin Jr. -- Brother

William George Martin -- Brother

Lois Jensen -- Sister

Donations:

Douglas/Elbert County Task Force

American Cancer Society