Diana M. (Bagnell) Adamson

Diana Marie Adamson (Bagnell), of south Devon community passed away on February 20 th at the age of 79. She was born April 15th, 1942, in St Ignatius, MT.  She was the daughter of Mary Liberty and Darel (Scotty) Bagnell who both preceded her in death.

Diana was a Shelby Junior High English teacher for 29 years.  She influenced and nurtured children’s lives.  She was known to everyone as “Mrs. A”. As the poem “Number One Teacher” says:

You help me fulfill my potential

I’m thankful for all that you’ve done.

I admire you each day, and I just want to say,

As a teacher you’re number one!

Diana was married to Art Adamson for fifty-nine (59) years. Art passed away two months earlier, December 24th, 2021. Diana had a brother Terry Bagnell (deceased); Diana is survived by half-sister, MeMe Anderson of Spokane, WA; half-brothers, Bob (Karen) Richards of Tigard, OR, Steve (Paula) Richards of Tualatin, Oregon, Bill (Carol) Richards of Woodburn, OR; son, Rod (Connie) Adamson of Billings, MT and Rod’s two daughters, Katelynn and Sarah of Seattle, WA; daughters, Karyn (Mike) Sacco of Burlington, WI and their two children, Shelby and Michael also of Burlington and Lisa (Lance) Ballantyne, of Shelby and their two sons, Brandon and Chase (Casey), both of Shelby; several nieces and nephews.

Diana attended Northern State College in Havre completing a 4-year degree in education.  It’s also where she met her husband, Art Adamson, and they were married Nov 29th, 1962.  She went on to attend University of Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MI completing a master’s degree in School Administration.

Diana had a deep lifelong passion for children in many other ways. She volunteered as a drill team and basketball coach while teaching and announcing games. She taught preschool in her home to children in the community. She was a 4H leader beginning with her own children and continued with others her entire life. She became a Farmers Union Youth Education Coordinator for several years which included time at the Arrow Peak Camp in Colorado. Diana was a Sunday School teacher and music leader.

Diana’s other passion was being a partial owner and manager of a fabric and quilt store called “The Creative Needle” located on Main Street in Shelby.  It was open for more than a decade.  One particular project which she enjoyed was making Star Quilt Bed Runners for Kwa TaqNuk Resort in Polson.  That design was later used to make quilts for all her grandchildren.

She was well known for her musical talent making an awesome duo with Art’s (her husband) guitar playing, supporting children’s programs, church services and other gatherings when requested.

Services will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chester on March 4th at 10:00am with a reception following the service at the church.  A Graveside service at Valley View Cemetery in Shelby will follow at 2:00pm.