Barbara Gail Diederich

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Diederich who passed peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barbara was a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was extremely selfless, compassionate, and endlessly kind. She had a gift for making people feel loved and welcomed, never hesitating to help anyone in need and never meeting a stranger she couldn’t talk to.

She had a deep love for nature, the outdoors, gardening, and finding peace and joy in the beauty of the world around her. Whether spending time outside, laughing with loved ones, or simply talking for hours with family and friends, Barbara cherished life’s simple moments most. She loved a beautiful day on the waters of Sarasota Bay; however, her true love lay at her beautiful cabin home in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina.

Above everything else, Barbara loved her wife and family fiercely. Her love was steady, unconditional, and deeply felt by everyone lucky enough to know her. Her kindness, warmth, humor, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched each and every day after her passing.

Barb will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she gave so freely to others around her every single day.

She is survived by the love of her life (LeeAnn Michele Pettis) and her loving family. She is also survived by her siblings, including Mary Evans, Robert Diederich, Charles Diederich, Patricia Irelan, Denise Diederich, Carol Weaver, Brian Diederich, Tracy Diederich, Theodora Davidson, Tamera Williams, and Lorraine Diederich. She will be reunited with her parents, William John Diederich and Mary Theresa (Klein) Diederich, and her siblings Michael Diederich and Donna Diederich. She is also survived by countless family members and friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing and loving her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.