Diana Marie Menapace passed away on December 26, 2017.
Diana was born on December 22, 1946 in Denver, CO to Donald Neithercut and Jeanne Watson
Neithercut who passed away in 1951. Donald remarried Laurabel Hess who lovingly raised
Diana.
After graduating from Wheatridge HS in 1965, Diana received a Bachelor and Masters Degree in
Microbiology from Colorado State University.
Before beginning her career at the Forest Service, Diana did research on Bovine Bluetongue at
the Federal Center. She then moved to Laramie WY to do research at the ARS Honeybee
Research Lab where she was the first scientist to discover the invasive intestinal Mite that
resulted in many significant scientific publications on the Colony collapse of the Honeybees in
our country.
Diana then moved to the Regional Office of the Forest Service in Lakewood CO. In the RO, Diana
worked in the Planning Department as a National Environmental Policy Act Specialist reviewing,
editing, and ensuring compliance of environmental documents, categorical exclusions, and
assessments. She also provided support for the Appeals and Litigation department. She served
as the Region's National Environmental Policy Act Coordinator and had a vast knowledge and
background in making sure that the important requirements of NEPA documentation and
disclosure were done properly. She was instrumental in compiling a complete NEPA Library that
was available online for others to follow, establishing standards for quality and content, and
teaching documentation standards. In addition to her work in the Rocky Mountain Region, Diana undertook key roles in Environmental Impact statements supporting the Herger-Feinstein
Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery Act on behalf of the Plumas, Lassen, and Tahoe National
Forests. She was also an integral part of the Roadless plan and instigation. Diana worked in the
Region from 1990 until 2007 when she retired.
Diana was an accomplished Classical Pianist and loved feeding and watching birds at home and
internationally. She loved her many pets, both Dogs and Cats. She was an active scrapbooker
who loved compiling memories of her Grandchildren, Family, and Travels.
Diana was very active at Wheatridge United Methodist Church, including playing in the Bell
Choir and as a member of WRMC Finance Board.
Diana is preceded in death by her Parents, and her Brothers, Larry and Douglas Neithercut.
Diana is survived by her husband David, Son Darin and Daughter Danielle, Grandchildren Ava,
Logan, and Lana, her Brother Loren Neithercut (spouse Victoria Schleyer), Sister-in-Law Caroline
Quine Neithercut, and Nieces Hazel and Pearl Neithercut.
A Memorial service for Diana will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Wheatridge
United Methodist Church at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Diana's honor to the Rocky
Mountaineers Memorial Grove Fund, a Non-profit 501(C)(3) at www.rockymountaineers.us
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery.
February 11, 2018
Dave and family-- Sorry to hear of Diane's passing. Glad we got to see you both at the 50th WRHS reunion. Wishing you strength and spirit during this difficult time. I will miss the memories and friendship of my college room mate.
Take care, Linda and Bill Lewis (Tucson Az)
February 8, 2018
Dave and family, what a beautiful tribute to Diana. There is nothing I can say to ease your sorrow, but know that so many people are with you in spirit and our prayers. Barb Risner, cellist in Arapahoe Philharmonic
January 30, 2018
Diana was a great accompanist and played for the choir at WRHS. She also played for all my singing events in high school. I saw her at the 50th class reunion and she hadn't changed at all. I will treasure her friendship. My prayer are with her family. She was a very special lady.
Joan Simeral Moore
January 13, 2018
Sharon Friedman
My prayers go to you and your family. Diana was a wonderful person to work with, dedicated and professional. She taught us all a great deal, and was a blessing to us all.
January 8, 2018
Marge Gallegos
Dave - Diana was a good friend and mentor, she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
January 3, 2018
mike & marge Clinton
David, you and the kids have our synpathy. We just talked to Diane at the Nov. Retirees Lunch. She was always a light and happy member of the RO that made everyone enjoy being around her. mike & marjorie clinton
January 1, 2018
Stacey Hansen
Diana became a fast friend when we met playing handbells. She was there through hard life changes and many happy ones. I was fortunate to have had her in my life. I learned so much from Diana, her knowledge and passion for nature was infectious, I even called her many times when we moved to Texas to get plant advice. She was a lovely, caring and passionate friend who touched many lives. Sending love and prayers...my deepest condolences to David, Darin and Danielle...
December 31, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Diana was one of my best friends. I am missing her. My heart goes out to all her family in this time of grief. You are all in my prayers.
December 30, 2017
Friend
Nancy Hollenkamp
I am so sorry for your loss. Diana was a quick friend as soon as I moved to Colorado. Prayers of comfort and peace to all of you.
December 30, 2017
Martha Delporte
Diana maintained high standards in her work for the Forest Service. We all benefitted from her vast knowledge. She was my friend as well as co-worker. I will value my memories of her. May your memories provide some peace during this difficult time.
December 30, 2017
Sue Ballenski
My deepest condolences. Sending you strength and peace during this hard time.
December 30, 2017
George & Holly Golen
Our prayers go out to the family, Dave, Darren and Danielle. May the Lord carry you through the days ahead. May your special memories bring you peace when needed most. Love you all.
December 30, 2017
Friend
Elise DePree
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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