Ann Dierks

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

Ann attended Our Lady of Peace Elementary School and Hoover High School before studying music at San Diego State University, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In October 1953, on a double date, she met the love of her life, Dean Dierks. They married on February 20, 1955, and shared a remarkable partnership that spanned more than 71 years. Together they raised their four daughters in San Diego.

A dedicated piano teacher, Ann found great joy in her music and in the many years of travel she and Dean enjoyed together. They visited friends and relatives across the country, creating lasting memories. Devoted members of All Saints Episcopal Church in San Diego and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, they remained active in their faith communities for many years. Ann also gave generously of her time, volunteering with 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, and 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.