Egberdina (Diane, Dietie) Belt was born May 30, 1933, in Nieuwleusen, the Netherlands, to Hendrik and Gerritdina (Timmerman) Belt, joining her sister, Altje (Allie) and brother, Roelof (Ralph). Her sister, Fenna (Fran), joined the family in 1946.

At age six, her world was impacted greatly by the effects of World War II. Following the war, Dietie was bedridden for several months due to pleurisy. After completing high school, she worked as a secretary until she decided to join her brother, Ralph, and immigrate to Canada, arriving in 1953. They spent that first winter in Carmen, MB, and Dietie worked as a nurse’s aide in a hospital. In the spring of 1954, Dietie and Ralph relocated to Barrie, ON. Dietie returned to Holland in 1955 to help her parents and younger sister, Fran, immigrate to Canada. The whole family settled in the Barrie area. In 1957, along with other members of her family, Dietie attended a Leighton Ford crusade in Barrie, where she committed her heart and life to Jesus.

In 1959, Dietie made a big move to Three Hills, Alberta, to attend Prairie Bible Institute, graduating in 1963. Always wanting to serve others, she joined New Tribes Mission and completed their orientation, including Jungle Camp. Dietie headed to the Philippines in December of 1966, serving for seven years with the Ilongot people. Unfortunately, due to illness, Dietie was unable to return to the Philippines.

During her years in the Philippines, most of her family had moved to Alberta. Along with her parents, Dietie moved to Alberta in 1976, first living near Irma with Francis and Fran, and then they relocated to Three Hills, AB, in 1978. Soon after, Dietie began working as a kindergarten teacher’s aide. Upon retiring, she cared for her parents until their passing.

In 1998, Dietie moved back to Irma to care for her sister and family following Fran’s cancer diagnosis. She later returned to Three Hills, lived in The Manor and then spent five years in Golden Hills Lodge. In August 2025, due to her deteriorating health, she moved to St. Mary’s Long-Term Care in Trochu, AB. She entered heaven on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by her brother, Ralph (Elaine) Belt; her brother-in-law, Francis (Carol) Younker; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Hendrik and Gerritdina Belt; her sisters, Allie Klosse and Fran Younker; her sister-in-law, Tina Belt; and her brother-in-law, Harry Klosse. She was also predeceased by her great-niece, Aimee Klosse, and great-great-niece, Madison Doerksen.

Dietie loved Chinese food, Friends of Israel, nasi goreng, Coca-Cola, desserts, good coffee and peppermints. She had STRONG dislikes for Santa, bingo and playing cards. Dietie’s life was marked by her huge servant’s heart. She dearly loved her family and found joy in the love and antics of children. Her presence and love will be missed by all of us.

WE LOVE YOU, DIETIE!

If family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Diane's family here.