Diana Lynn (“Dee”) Fredricks (née Banks) was born on November 12, 1947 in Jackson Hole, WY, the daughter of Evelyn and Ted Griffith. She died on November 17, 2025 in Denver, CO at 78 years old.
Dee married Charles W. Fredricks II on August 19, 1965 in Laramie. They spent 48 years together – those years filled with a lot of love (and a good amount of bickering, too). They built their home together in Rock River, where they raised one daughter (Mary) and three sons (Billy, Shane, and Justin).
Dee was known for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue. She was a voracious reader her entire life, always finding comfort in the pages of a Georgette Heyer novel. Dee was also gifted with a paintbrush. She and Charlie would sell decor at craft fairs around Wyoming – Charlie made the pieces with wood, Dee made them beautiful.
Many of us have Santas and other Christmas decorations made by the pair – and Dee sure loved the holidays. The Fredricks home was like something out of a magazine every year around Christmas. But Dee always worried her holiday turkey was too dry (it was delicious) or her stuffing didn’t measure up to years past (it did).
Dee was deeply generous, always willing to give you whatever she had. She had no patience for traffic (“traffic” meaning more than three other cars on the road) – “Doesn’t anyone work anymore?” She always salted her pizza a little extra and kept a jar of candy orange slices on the counter.
Dee is preceded in death by her husband Charlie, son Billy, granddaughter Destinee, her parents, her brother Kevin Griffith, and her sister Debbie Murray.
Dee will be deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her daughter Mary (Chip) Taylor; sons Shane and Justin Fredricks; sister Carolyn (Jerry) Rabidue; three brothers Ronnie (Melanie) Griffith, Randy (Lee) Griffith, and Gary (Becky) Griffith; grandkids (Shanna, Diana, Hannah, Rainee, Chase, and Autumn); and many beautiful great-grandchildren.
Per Mom’s request, no services will be held – just think of her the next time you’re curled up with a good book.
Dee words can't describe how much you meant to me. I am so honored to have had you as my mother in law. You have been so good to my daughters (Shanna,Diana, and Hannah). I thank you for that. I am going to miss you. RIP I love you.
Condolences 💐
Mary & family, so sorry for this devastating loss. Sending love
Shane, Justin, & Mary So sorry to hear about your Mom. Condolences for all the rest of your families. And may Aunt Dee R I.P and hugs to you all.
I just finished putting up my Christmas decorations. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus with a Christmas tree between them. All made by Aunt Dee. We have fond memories of her laughing with Uncle Charlie, Aunts Barbara and Bonnie. We are deeply sorry for your loss! Keffer Family
Best friend ever many many memories and hidden secrets will miss her forever
You all were so lucky to have her . 5his is what I remember as a kid. You all can CArry this on to new generations . You were BLESSED. 🙂🥹❤️👍
Going to your house during Christmas was always my favorite time of the year. You never failed to make me feel welcomed and cozy in your home. I miss you so much grandma and I will always remember all the nice thanksgivings you hosted. I always loved playing in the yard and talking to you. You always had the Mac and cheese that I loved in your pantry for us great grandkids. I miss coming to your house and reading magazines and playing with toys. I miss you so much, if I knew it was going to be the last time, I would’ve hugged you longer. I love and miss you.
best friend ever have many memories and hidden secrets will miss her Pat
I will always remember my primary goal when visiting you as a kid would be to annoy you or make you laugh. The easiest way to accomplish both was by sneaking up behind you, sometimes poking you or tickling you. It was always a treat to make you smile. Thank you for all the laughs. I love you grandma.
Dee was a wonderful wife to my cousin Charles & mother to their children.
I can't express enough the wonderful memories I will always cherish of you Grandma. My childhood was one that some would envy in movies, all because of you and Grandpa. I will never forget our yearly Christmas baking, thrift shopping, salty pizza, eating too much garlic bread, and all the fun we would have together. I miss you so much already, you will never be forgotten. You always had a way of making everything better-even toast was better at Grandma's. Im sure Grandpa welcomed you with open arms and called you your "favorite" nickname- smoochie. I will miss you more than I can express. I love you Grandma, thank you for the love and wonderful life you gave me.
This is so beautifully written and captures so much of what I loved about her. I was so lucky to have those childhood memories at her house—visiting with my mom, staying over when mom was at bowling, and always feeling special when I was there. I was even luckier to know her as an adult, sharing long conversations about everything from gardening to books. We often ended up reading the same titles, and her humor and perspective even changed the way I saw certain characters. Love you, Aunt Dee. I hope you’ve found libraries filled with all your favorite books to reread—and endless new ones waiting for you.
Best Grandma ever!! I’ll always remember eating rice cakes with peanut butter with you❤️
How lucky am I, to have been so loved by you. I will miss you for all of my days, Grama. "Love you dearly, deeply, really, sincerely."
I will miss you always and love you forever. ~Mary~