Olinda Hausch Diebel
01-12-1931 to 09-30-2024

Olinda Hausch Diebel passed away at Kadlec Medical Center on September 30, 2024. She was born January 12, 1931 in Portland, Oregon where she graduated from Commerce High School in 1949. She attended Columbia Basin College part time from 1968 – 1978, then transferring to Eastern Washington University where she received a degree in English and a teaching certificate in 1980.
Olinda met her husband to be, Norman Diebel, during the summer of 1947, when she was working as an assistant cook for the Congregational Christian Church’s summer camp at Camp Adams. She and Norm were married on September 15, 1951. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 1953, so Norm could work on his graduate research project at Ohio State University. During this time, their three children were born.
In late 1959, the family moved to Richland, Washington, where Olinda created a life of accomplishments as a volunteer for many organizations that included; secretary for the Tri-Cities Council of Churches; first aid coordinator/EMT II for the American Red Cross in staffing first-aid stations at the Water Follies, Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo and high school sporting events; and Scout leader, camp counselor and cook for the Mid-Columbia Girl Scout Council. In 1977, Olinda was named the “Woman of Achievement” by the Richland Business and Professional Women’s Club. Following her retirement, she joined the Ladies Auxiliary at Kadlec Medical Center, working at the Birth Center in preparing supplies for nurses and information packets for new mothers.
Prior to receiving her teaching certificate, Olinda worked in a variety of jobs including: Bookkeeper for Weyerhaeuser; Secretary, Trinity United Protestant Church; District Trainer, Mid-Columbia Girl Scout Council; playground aide, Richland School District; Special Education Aide at Spaulding Elementary; and a 1st & 3rd grade elementary school teacher at Tapteal Elementary and Lewis & Clark Elementary Schools. She retired from teaching in 2003.
In her leisure time Olinda enjoyed many and varied activities which included; gardening, baking, reading and shopping; and was always willing to support and help her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. She particularly liked baking and decorating birthday cakes for family, friends and co-workers.
Olinda is survived by sons Richard E. Diebel (Noel Egert) and James A. Diebel; and grandchildren Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel (Nancy Goodloe), Lori Diebel (Larry Moore), Wesley Egert (Erin), Austin Egert (Johanna), Vivian Diebel, Nikolas Worrell, Tara Symons, Rachelle Deluna (Robert), and 12 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents George Hausch, Sr. and Kathryn Elizabeth Schmeer Hausch; brothers Henry Hausch, Nikolas Hausch, Emanuel Hausch and George Hausch, Jr.; sisters Molly Hausch and Pauline Hausch Hutchison; daughter Linda Marie Worrell; grandson Bryson James Diebel; and great grandson Chandler Symons.
A celebration of Olinda’s life will be held at Central Church, located at 1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA, on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Red Cross, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics, or the charitable organization of your choice.