ANCRAMDALE — Irene (Renie) Dietter, 91, passed away on Sept. 7, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Irene was born on Aug. 23, 1935, to the late Abbie (Brizzie) and Charles Boyles Sr. in Ancramdale New York. She was the 10th of their 11 children. Renie would never leave Ancramdale, remaining on the same half mile stretch of County Route 8 for her entire life. Irene would attend Pine Plains School and then follow that with work at the Pine Plains Shirt Factory.
On Nov. 28, 1953, Renie would marry the love of her life, Avery (Prope) Dietter. They would become inseparable and would be married just shy of 70 years. Together they welcomed three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. While Prope worked, Renie held the house down. She was proud of her home and was known for her spotless house and yard. Most people knew Renie for her beautifully hung laundry line.
Renie was a woman who loved people. Together with Prope, they became the designated parents and then grandparents to all the children of Ancramdale. Known for being the “fun” house, they were always ready for a game of ball, a day of skating on the pond, sleigh riding or just enjoying a picnic. They began the tradition of the Halloween party at the Ancramdale Church and were leaders for many years of the Churches Youth Group.
Devoted to her church, where she was the current oldest and longest member, Renie was known for her dedication to the church suppers in the fellowship hall. She ran the church kitchen like a well-oiled machine, and she took such pride in the church hall. The church was her favorite place to be after her home. For many years she was the snack lady for Bible School. She devoted many Sundays to preparing food for coffee hour. And there were all of the behind the scene tasks she did without much notice like polishing the collection plates, starching tablecloths and dusting hymnals.
Renie loved her family and large extension of friends. She was a collector of people. For years she and Prope could be found surrounded by friends having coffee at the Farmer’s Wife or eating lunch at the Moose on the Loose. But her favorite place to be was home. After Prope had retired, they went on an extended trip with friends across the United States. Renie would say that she saw many beautiful sights but that no place was as beautiful as Ancramdale and her home.
Renie was known for her jewelry, especially her earrings. You could always tell what holiday was coming up by the earrings Renie wore. She had hundreds of them and took great pride in them. When she eventually went to stay with her daughter Gail, it was with her enormous jewelry box safely seat belted into the back seat of the car.
Renie will be missed not just by her large extended family but by the Ancramdale community as well.
Irene is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Ronald Brant and Gail and Nickie Heath, all of Ancramdale, two granddaughters and grandson- in laws, Monica and Brandon Cleveland of Ancramdale and Amanda and Edward Bishop of Pine Plains. Grandson and granddaughter-in-law Avery and Jennifer Heath of Stanfordville. Five great-grandchildren Sydney Cleveland (Calvin), Ronald Cleveland, Karlee Bishop (Michael) and Lilah and Thomas Heath. Renie leaves behind many nieces and nephews and friends as well as two sisters-in-law, Helen Boyles and Bertha Boyles both of Ancramdale.
In addition to her parents and husband Avery, Irene was predeceased by her son Avery Dietter Jr., all of her siblings; brothers Russel, William, Henry, Charles Jr., Harold, Clifford and Robert and sisters Gladys (Millius), Eleanor (Cookingham) and Susan (Dietter) as well as her beloved cousins James and Eleanor Hoag.
Irene’s family would like to give a special thank you to Renie’s caregiver, Violet, who took such good care of her in the final weeks as well as the members of the Community Rescue Squad and the Town of Ancram Fire Department.
A funeral service was conducted on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church, 15 Co Rd 8, Ancramdale, NY 12503. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains. In lieu of a traditional wake, Renie wished that folks gather in the fellowship hall following the interment for a celebration of her amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church, PO Box 99 Ancramdale, NY 12503. For directions or to leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.PeckandPeck.net
Tom Brown
Tom Brown
