Diana Stelly

Diana Jean Elson Stelly, 70, of Nederland, died Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont surrounded by family.  Diana was the daughter of Charles Raymond Elson Jr. and Marjorie Esther Davis born in Zanesville, Ohio on August 7, 1948.

Diana was a woman of faith, with a deep devotion to our Lord’s word and constant worship through religious song and music as she trained in classical piano from an early age.  Using her musical talents resulted in becoming a choir member/leader at a number of Nederland area churches she attended over the years.  Her musical training and religious beliefs lead to trips to Russia and missionary work in Mexico.  Diana’s heart became open to all in need of her love, especially all the children in her life.

Over the years she held jobs selling insurance, Dupont (retired), Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital and in Nederland, she operated two businesses (clothing and floral).  She retired from Texas Department of Public Safety in Beaumont after nine years. There was not one Trooper not prayed for daily or asked, “Where’s the vest?”  Usually with a hug to confirm.

Diana loved to travel, outdoors (including the road up Pike’s Peak, looking “over the edge” from the car window, not a favorite), stage productions (Drama/Musicals), and especially baseball (Little League, High School, College, Minor and Major). She loved the Astros, and made trips to seven of 30 MLB stadiums, including the old Yankee stadium.  The more important trips were those visiting out-of-town family members, which included grandchildren.  Over the years Diana helped family and friends with many food and craft needs for their special events, with many helping her in her time of need.  

Diana is survived by her husband Terry Stelly and her three children, Troy Stutes, Galen Stutes, and Kimberly Denison (Dr. Dru Denison); grandchildren, Bryan Stutes (Brittany), Brittany Stutes (Aaron Smith), Finley Denison, Fletcher Denison; great-grandchildren (Carson Stutes) and special to Diana’s heart are others which lovingly/maternally referred to her as their Nana, Brittany Bennett (Josh); sons, Gavin Stapleton, Gunner Stapleton, Renly Henryand brother Jaron Wood. Diana’s brother Doug Elson (Sherry); nieces, Katrina Kudart (John), their sons Alex Kudart and Luke Kudart, and Kristine McCutcheon, her sons Clayton McCutcheon and Carter McCutcheon. Her love and devotion to her husband’s children, grandchildren, siblings were considered very much part of her heart too, and their hearts as well, they include Trent Stelly, and Jason Stelly (Dena) their sons Tyler Stelly and Carl Stelly.  Her husband’s siblings include Tim Stelly (Laura), Nancy Fisher (Donny), Chris Stelly (Debbie), Kay Manriquez (Steve), Joette Robichau (Neal) and the Stelly nieces (8)/nephews (3) and grandnieces (2)/grandnephew.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

A gathering of family and friends will begin for Mrs. Stelly at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 pm, followed with continued visitation until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2019, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 4445 Avenue A, Beaumont, with a reception following in the adjacent church hall.  In the afternoon, a private family service will take place at Broussard’s Crematorium. 

Pallbearers will be Troy Stutes, Galen Stutes, Kim Denison, Dr. Dru Denison, John Denison, and Stephanie Bowman.

All are invited to return for interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2019.

The family would most sincerely like to acknowledge and thank the loving care given to Diana by hospital staffs of Baptist, Christus St. Elizabeth (Dupuis and Kate Dishman), and those of Harbor Hospice. We are eternally grateful for their kind and loving care, for there are many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a church or charity of your choice in Diana’s name.