Dianne Soderfelt

Dianne Rae Soderfelt was born on August 15, 1943 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Herman and Roma Allen.  She passed away on January 18, 2020 in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Dianne grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Dianne’s father was employed by the City of Grand Forks and her mother was a librarian at the University of North Dakota.

Dianne graduated with honors from Central High School in Grand Forks.  Dianne attended the University of North Dakota and majored in Education.  She graduated from New Mexico Junior College and the University of the Southwest.  She earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction.

Dianne moved to Hobbs from Bismarck, North Dakota with her family during the early 1980’s.  Dianne quickly adapted to living in the Southwest.  She especially enjoyed the warm weather, eating Mexican food and learning about different cultures in New Mexico.  Dianne believed that moving to Hobbs was a great decision because of the opportunities available in Hobbs and she liked the friendly atmosphere.

Dianne worked as a Pre-K teacher with the Hobbs Municipal Schools for over 25 years.  Her passion was helping others to improve themselves.

Dianne was a loving mother to four children.  She was a strong believer in education.  She inspired all of her children to earn a college degree.  Kathy Nelson works as a software engineer in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lise’ Witt works as an attorney in Mesa, Arizona.  Sherri Nelson is a teacher with the Hobbs Municipal Schools. Steve Nelson works as a librarian with the Hobbs Municipal Schools.

Dianne was an amazing person who touched numerous people during her lifetime.  She is remembered fondly by her students and her co-workers.  Former students would always tell us that she was their favorite teacher.

Dianne enjoyed traveling and her most memorable trips were visiting Europe and Southeast Asia.  She also traveled extensively in the United States.  Her favorite destinations were Honolulu, Hawaii and Las Vegas, Nevada.  She always dreamed of living in Hawaii.

During her free time Dianne enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family, reading, shopping and swimming.  She also enjoyed creating photo albums for her children and other relatives.

Dianne leaves behind a brother, Gary Allen of Grand Forks, North Dakota and a sister, Gloria Meier of Tampa, Florida.

Dianne leaves behind her four children.  Lise’ and her husband Don Witt and their children, Jaime and Christy. Sherri Nelson and her partner Martin Florez, Steve Nelson and Kathy Nelson and son, Wyatt. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren.  Kim Montano and husband Ivan and their children Ciara, Avery, Tyler, and Sophia; Matt Garza and wife Tabitha and their children Ava, Jarren, and Caden; Steven Calvillo and wife Lisa; Stephanie Prieto and husband Chris and their children Taylor, Christopher Jr., Miguel, Genesis, and Genoveva.

We will especially miss her always being there for all of us with her supportive, encouraging attitude and positive advice. She had a good and generous heart and always looked out for others. She instilled a love of learning, cooking and traveling in all of us. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.