Summer Lee (Dietz) Ochoa was born in Wray, Colorado on October 7, 1977, to Delbert and Nancy Dietz. She unexpectedly passed away at the age of 46 in her family home in Windsor on April 4, 2024.
Summer was raised in Kirk, Colorado and started kindergarten at Liberty School and graduated from Liberty High School in 1996. After graduation Summer attended Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma where she earned her degree in psychology and sociology with a minor in law enforcement in 2000. After her graduation from Panhandle State she pursued a career in child protective services through multiple agencies.
Later, Summer met Nico Ochoa and they married in Maui, Hawaii on July 7, 2007, and built their home in Windsor, Colorado. Through this union Summer became a mother to Gage Ryder in 2013 and again with Logan Embry in 2016. Summer was a person who embraced motherhood and Gage and Logan were her pride and joy. For every holiday, birthday and special occasion, Summer worked to make the event extra special for Gage and Logan. She was a devoted mother who loved story time, snuggles, playing games with her children, volunteering at their school and loved them more than life itself. She gave them unconditional love. She truly loved the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
Summer was a person who enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, boating, gardening and planting flowers. She spent many hours making their house a home and loved decorating and making a welcoming and loving home for everyone.
Summer had a passion for helping others, especially people who were struggling in life. She would be the first one to stop and help someone less fortunate or homeless. There was a time Summer dedicated a vast amount of time to help bring a family to Colorado to help them start a better life. She gave selflessly to others, devoted many hours of her time, energy and resources to helping a vast number of people. Summer spent her life practicing philanthropy. Through these selfless acts she taught Gage and Logan what it means to help and care for others, be kind, truthful and transparent. She loved her children unconditionally and would do anything for them. Summer had a special place in her heart for her brother from a young age. She spent much of her life looking out for, caring for and advocating for him as well as assisting him through life. Her family welcomed Dustin into their home to live so he could enjoy a better life.
Summer is survived by her children, Gage Ryder and Logan Embry Ochoa, husband Nico Ochoa, parents Delbert and Nancy Dietz, brother Dustin Dietz, Grandmother Pauline Preuss, her in-laws Ray and Gloria Ochoa, sister-in-law Chrissy Ochoa and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Summer is proceeded in death by her grandparents Harold and Mona Dietz, grandfather Richard Preuss and Uncles Glenn Preuss and Leland Gurss.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Summer on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Water Valley Lake, 445 Baja Drive, Windsor, Colorado 80550.
Summer will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Until we meet again.