Joann Virginia Dietenbeck

Joann “Jodie” Dietenbeck, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt fought to stay with us, but the Lord took her home on April 6, 2023. Jodie was a woman of deep faith, loved everyone she met and was much loved by her family and friends. She will be missed.

Jodie was born in Philippi, West Virginia and graduated from Philip Barbour High School. She later attended Ohio State University and Franklin University where she studied Business Management and Psychology obtaining a degree in Psychology.

She married and after moving to Ohio she found employment with North American Aviation which was eventually purchased by the Boeing Corporation, retiring after a 30-year career as a Human Resources Specialist.

Jodie was the proud mother of Everett “Chip” Barnett. Jodie met the love of her life in John Dietenbeck. They met by chance in the late eighties and again in the early nineties at which time they started to date. They were married on May 1 ^st , 1999, followed by a European honeymoon. They built a happy life together, full of love, respect, and gratitude. They made a beautiful home together in the Rossmoor area of Los Alamitos, California.

Jodie’s heart, compassion and love for everyone never went unnoticed. She loved holidays, cooking traditional meals and opening the warmth of her home to all.

As a convert, Jodie’s faith journey began at St. Hedwig Catholic Church on January 24, 2007 when she received the sacraments, had her marriage blessed and was fully initiated into the Catholic faith.

Since that time, the Catholic faith was a constant in Jodie’s and John’s life. They modeled what living a Catholic life meant. Prayers for everyone were important as well as observing Lenten practices, praying the Rosary and Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. She had a wonderful love and strong devotion for Jesus and the Blessed Mother.

Unfortunately, Jodie had many health issues and it was especially hard for her not being able to physically attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. She would always say how much she missed going to Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

Jodie was such a kind and generous person who would help anyone in need. She truly had a heart of gold!

Her great smile, boisterous laugh and joyous spirit endeared her to everyone she met. The sweet memory of her will be a blessing to those who knew her and loved her. Her parrot Missy has her voice so John will get to hear her speak to him for many years to come.

There is a beautiful poem to remind us how loving our Lord is. It’s called:

God’s Garden .

God looked around his garden

And found an empty place

He then looked down upon the earth

And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you

And lifted you to rest

God’s garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best.

He knew the roads were getting rough

And the hills were hard to climb

So, he closed your weary eyelids and whispered

“Peace be thine”.

It broke our hearts to lose you

But you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

We love you, Jodie. May you rest in the happiness and peace of God’s love forever!

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401