Ann Louise Diehl — sweetheart, wife, mother, grandmother and best friend — suffered a stroke on November 9, 2022, ultimately passing away peacefully at home on February 4, 2023.

Ann was born in Franklin, Penn. on December 6, 1946. Her parents, Reginald and Dorothy Cubbison, both teachers, instilled in her a sense of duty, purpose and respect for others. These she embodied all her life.

Besides mothering her two sons, Bret and Ross, and keeping her husband somewhat on track, she taught English for 20-plus years, most of it at Eureka Senior High School. While Ann was comfortable teaching advanced-level classes, she took particular pride in developing courses for those not college bound. This included her favorite, “Mystery Lit,” which hooked students on detective novels. She also made sure during these years to support all manner of students of whatever minority status.

After retiring from teaching about twelve years ago, Ann shifted her focus to civic causes. She served the League of Women Voters, the California Retired Teachers Association, Humboldt Sponsors, the Humboldt Children’s Author Festival, and the Morris Graves Museum of Art.

When not serving others, Ann loved to travel. With family or friends, Ann visited much of Europe, as well as Indonesia, China, India, Costa Rica, Peru, Egypt, and Kenya. Throughout, she made friends and raised the spirits of all whom she encountered.

Her husband of 51 years, Duke, her sons Bret and Ross, along with Bret’s wife Lynn and grandson Merrick, all mourn her loss, but are thankful to have had the privilege of her presence and love.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Reginald and Dorothy Cubbison, her brother William Cubbison and her sister Shirley Sweetapple. As per her wishes, we would like to thank Ayres Family Cremation for their services and professionalism.

Many kind caregivers treated Ann at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital and Seaview Rehabilitation Center. She also received extensive care at home by Hospice of Humboldt, Visiting Angels and others. A special thank you goes to Jude Zyskowski, our kind friend and neighbor, who was always available to smooth the bumps.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ann Diehl’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.