Diane Hering

Born Mar 9, 1958 

DIANE HERING - Daughter of Bruce and Vonnie Hering, Diane was born on March 9, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana. She was a caring older sister to Ellen and Alicia, and the leader of many childhood adventures.

Diane especially loved going on family vacations to Bass Lake in Honor, Michigan; swimming and fishing were two of her favorite pastimes. She was the last one out of the water and the first one in the rowboat.

Diane was an excellent student, and interested in the world around her, participating in the Black History club and working for the Nixon for President Campaign, among other interests. Her lifelong love of music began early; she played string bass in her elementary and high school orchestras.

After graduating from LaSalle High School in South Bend, Diane went on to Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. Her college career was a brief one; she left Indiana before finishing her freshman year to explore the country, accompanied by her cat Gandalf.

After a stop in New Mexico, Diane moved with her high school boyfriend and soon-to-be husband, Joe Petelle, to visit her Uncle Ron Schryer in Anderson Valley, California, which became her lifelong home. She and Joe raised two children, Hans and Claire, in the Valley.

In the ensuing years, Diane was joined in Boonville by her father Bruce and sister Ellen. Together they founded the legendary Bruce Bread Bakery, providing whole grain and specialty breads to Mendocino County California for over 12 years.

Diane was tireless in support of her community. She was an early volunteer, programmer, and employee of KZYX public radio in Philo, California, hosting the popular and long running “Lunch on the Back Porch” bluegrass music show.

Her love of bluegrass and traditional music led her to found the Wild Iris Folk Festival. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Wild Iris quickly became an incredible annual community event, showcasing top bands and musicians. Diane loved to play and sing, playing for many years with close friends and fellow musicians in The Wild Oats Bluegrass Band.

For the last eight years, Diane fought bravely and tirelessly against the devastating effects of a brain tumor. She passed peacefully in Ukiah, California, surrounded by her friends and loved ones.

Daughter of Bruce and Vonnie Hering, Diane was born on March 9, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana. She was a caring older sister to Ellen and Alicia, and the leader of many childhood adventures.

Diane especially loved going on family vacations to Bass Lake in Honor, Michigan; swimming and fishing were two of her favorite pastimes. She was the last one out of the water and the first one in the rowboat.

Diane was an excellent student, and interested in the world around her, participating in the Black History club and working for the Nixon for President Campaign, among other interests. Her lifelong love of music began early; she played string bass in her elementary and high school orchestras.

04/22/2026 EJS