Ann Dierks, born October 20, 1932, in San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Alyene and Antonio Zamberlan.

Ann attended Our Lady of Peace Elementary School and Hoover High School before continuing her education at San Diego State University, where she studied music and was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

In October 1953, on a double date, Ann met the love of her life, Dean Dierks. They were married on February 20, 1955, beginning a remarkable partnership that lasted more than 71 years. Together they raised their four daughters in San Diego.

Ann worked for many years as a piano teacher. Beyond her professional life, she and Dean shared a deep love of travel and spent many years exploring together, creating memories and enjoying visits with many friends and relatives along the way. For many years they were devoted members of All Saints Episcopal Church of San Diego and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church of Palm Desert.

Ann generously volunteered her time with numerous organizations in San Diego, including the Museum of Man, All Saints Church Wedding Guild, the San Diego Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, and the Panhellenic Association of Palm Desert.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dean Dierks; her daughters, Leslie (Mike) Saunders, Kimberly (Bob) Layton, Deanna (Patrick) Ingrassia; her grandchildren, Gregory Saunders, Trevor Saunders, Matthew Saunders, Jessica (Andrew) Carbonaro, Kyle Kallenbach, Victoria (Tony) Hartsell, Valerie Layton, Taylor Ingrassia, Tanner Ingrassia, and Brayden Ingrassia; and her great-grandchildren, Lillian Hartsell, Kendall Saunders, and Piper Grimm.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Michelle Kallenbach.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29th, at 3:00 p.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church in Matthews, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Via Health Partners, PO Box 470408, Charlotte NC 28247.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Dierks family.