Diane Rose Stebick Reitz

DENVER, Colo. —Diane Rose Stebick Reitz, of Denver, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after complications from surgery.

Diane was born April 5, 1957, in Olean, N.Y.  She was only 68 years old.

On Aug. 11, 1984, at Ski Wing Hollow, she married James Reitz, the love of her life. Together, over 41 years of marriage, they built a life of love and fun and shared countless adventures.

Diane was a 1975 graduate of Olean High School and a 1980 graduate of Geneseo (N.Y.) College.

She was employed by the U.S. Department of Energy in Golden, where she worked as an accountant until her retirement in 2019.

Known for her radiant smile and kind, feisty spirit, Diane touched the hearts of everyone she met. Her vibrant personality made her unforgettable, and her zest for life inspired those around her.

Throughout her years, Diane embraced adventure with fearless enthusiasm. She once jumped out of a plane during college, drove a race car in Colorado reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour, hiked to the summit of Mt. Elbert and marveled at a live volcano in Costa Rica.

In her 60s, Diane became the oldest person to try out to be a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. Although the squad decided to go in a different direction, Diane gained notoriety by being interviewed by the Denver Channel 9 news, which is available to watch on YouTube.

Diane enjoyed her gardens, canning, running the football pool and especially entertaining. For over 30 years, Diane and Jim hosted legendary Easter parties that became a cherished tradition. Each year, at least 60 guests gathered to celebrate, with many returning year after year. Diane made sure each guest found their hidden hand-dyed egg with their name handwritten on it.

Diane was also an avid sports fan who loved her Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. But even after moving from New York to Colorado, she never lost her love for the Buffalo Bills.

Above all, Diane was the best wife, sister, sister-in-law, niece, cousin, aunt, great-aunt, godmother and friend that anybody could have asked for. Diane’s greatest gift was the bond she shared with her large, extended family and so many dear friends scattered all over the country, but especially her four brothers. Through endless phone calls, visits and shared laughter — often rehashing funny stories about growing up together in Olean — she made them always feel connected.  Her spirit of fun and her devotion to family and friends will live on in their hearts.

Diane is survived by her husband, Jim; and her brothers, Michael Stebick of Orchard Park, N.Y., William (Sharon) Tracz of Ft. Collins, Gary Stebick of Olean and Paul (Diana) Stebick, of Springfield, Va.; her brothers-in-law, Dan (Mary) Reitz of Jacksonville, Fla. and Steve (Peg) Reitz of Allegany, N.Y.; her sister-in-law, Danae Bradway Jones of Denver; an aunt; godchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; friends; and, of course, Party Animal.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Henry J. Stebick and Joan Allram Stebick; and her second mother, Lillian Tracz Stebick.

Planning is underway for upcoming Celebrations of Diane’s Life to be held in Denver and in Olean. Diane will be laid to rest at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany in the coming months.