Diana Gehrig Hiott

Published 11:30 am Friday, December 6, 2024

Diana Gehrig Hiott of Clanton, a beloved wife, artist, and advocate for children, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends on November 30, 2024. She was 66 years old. Diana was born in Illinois on July 26, 1958, daughter of the late Dee Robert Gehrig and the late Doris Adeline Gehrig.

Diana grew up in Springfield, Illinois. She attended Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a graduate degree in social work.

Diana was a remarkable woman with a vibrant spirit and a boundless imagination. She saw the world through the eyes of an artist, finding beauty and inspiration in the simplest things. Her oeuvre, which spanned a variety of mediums including illustration, painting, sculpture, jewelry, beadwork, fiber arts, and signature non-traditional dolls, was a reflection of her deep connection to nature, humor, folklore, and her love for all living things.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Diana was a dedicated social worker and a leading expert in child welfare systems across the nation. She devoted her professional life to protecting and advocating for children, working tirelessly to create safe and supportive environments for them to thrive.

Diana’s greatest joy came from the love she shared with her family, and her beloved dogs, whom she rescued and cherished as members of her family. Her love for animals was boundless, and she often found solace and inspiration in their companionship.

Diana will be deeply missed by her loving husband, David, her family, and her many friends and admirers. Diana’s legacy will live on through her art, her advocacy, and the love she shared with all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, David Hiott Jr. of Clanton; brothers, David Gehrig of Bethesda, MD, Donald Gehrig of Auburn, IL; nephew, Joseph Gehrig of Springfield, IL; nephew, Ashley Clevenger of Land O Lakes, FL; niece, Amy Ponai of Springfield, IL; nephew, Jacob Gehrig of St. Louis, MO; nephew, Justin Becker of Athens, IL; and sister-in-law, Lori Bostick of Auburn, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dee Robert Gehrig and Doris Adeline Gehrig.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local Humane Society or the Chilton County Humane Society.

A Celebration of Life Service will held Saturday February 1, 2025 at 11:00AM at Montevallo Presbyterian Church.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com