Diana Lenora Reece, 79, a resident of Bayard, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, September 3, 2026, at her residence. She was born December 12, 1946 in Santa Rita, NM to William Helton and Hazel (Heath) Helton.
Dianna loved quilting and sewing, creating more than 100 handmade quilts during her lifetime. She shared her love of sewing and crafting with her home extension friends and sorority sisters. She was actively involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with all her children, serving in various capacities in those organizations. Dianna and her husband Richard enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing in the Gila, especially with their grandchildren.
She is survived by two daughters, Suzan Shirley and husband Jim of Cahone, CO; Mary Elizabeth Garza and husband Miguel of Roswell, NM; six grandchildren, Kate Smolkis (Dave), Keegan Reece, Taylor Reece (Nick), Austin Shirley (Kosta), William Shirley (Christina), and Laura Shirley; three great grandchildren; two brothers, Dick Helton and wife Nancy of Hurley; Charlie Helton and wife Angie of Santa Clara; two sisters, Peggy Drake and husband Charles; Becky Teague and husband Weldon of Las Cruces, NM; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Richard Reece ('25); her son, Richard Allen Reece; one brother, Ivan Helton.
Her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life/open house on Saturday, September 26 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Reece residence in Bayard. All who knew and loved her are invited to attend
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
