Dianne Cooper

In the early morning hours of August 17th, 2025, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed to her eternal reward after an 18-month health struggle. 

A 17th generation Mayflower descendant, Dianne Elaine Daggett Cooper was born on February 2, 1938, in Skowhegan, Maine to Delma and Mabel Daggett. Her two brothers, David and Carl preceded her with her two sisters, Brenda and Mel following.  In 1946, the family, along with 2 dogs and a cat, loaded up a trailer and headed to California via Route 66.

After graduating from Van Nuys High School, she moved to Denver, Colorado and started working at a bank. There she was introduced to her future husband by a mutual friend at the bank.  But before getting married, Dianne decided to become a stewardess for United Airlines based in New York. She continued to fly for 18 months until she married Donovan Cooper on March 30th, 1963.  As Dianne’s new husband was a Montana native, they moved to Bozeman, MT so he could enroll in college. Dianne loved Montana and never wanted to leave because it was rich in the “Cowboy Way”. 

While living in Bozeman, Dianne gave birth to Kristie Lynne on May 22nd, 1964, and in August of that year the family moved to Billings. Dianne found a job at Security Bank until the birth of her son Dirk Nathan on May 29th, 1967. After that, she became a full-time wife and mother who supported her family with the utmost passion, sacrifice, and love.  She loved history especially the “Wild Bunch”, hunting artifacts and taking the most spectacular photographs. She loved watching her children’s sporting events and would NOT miss a game even if she had to drive to Great Falls by herself to watch a basketball game. She was a HUGE animal lover. Growing up, she had a donkey named Hermie and many dogs throughout her life, including Tippy, Sniffy and Peanut. When the grandchildren were little, a Christmas tradition of making cookies happened every year. She loved watching everyone be creative while decorating the cookies. Dianne was a great cook. Spaghetti dinners, chocolate cake for everyone’s birthday, fudge and popcorn, the list goes on. 

Dianne came from a very musical family and grew up loving all kinds of music.  So, it came as no surprise that her husband’s country band played a big part in her life.  All the musicians loved her, and she always knew every word of every song, showing how supportive she truly was. She was also very proud when Kristie and Dirk sang for various occasions.  

In the later years, her grandchildren, Stephanie, Tyler, Emilee and Camryn came into her life.  She was over the moon for these children. She loved and supported them just like she did her own children.  Then in 2021 and 2022, her great grandchildren Jack and Maggie arrived. Once again bringing an abundance of joy to her life. 

Dianne was very protective of her family and sometimes feisty when her Irish heritage got riled. Family was her number one priority. 

Dianne will forever be remembered by her husband of 62 years, Don Cooper, children, Kristie (John) Ostlund, Dirk (Carol) Cooper. Grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Mahar, Tyler (Erin) Cook, Emilee Cooper and Camryn Cooper. Great grandchildren, Jackson (Jack) Cook and Magnolia (Maggie) Mahar, and her sisters Brenda and Mel, as well as her beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Delma and Mabel, her brother’s, David and Carl, and by her son-in-law, John. 

A celebration of life will be held September 26th, 2025, from 2PM – 6PM at the Moose Lodge in Billings, MT.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Dianne’s name to Chase Hawks Memorial Association (CHMA) Attn: Teddi, P. O. Box 31333 Billings, MT  59107.