Diana Bales

Diana Bales, born on September 15, 1948, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Shirley and Delbert Steele; passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Bismarck, North Dakota, on September 9, 2025, at the age of 76. Diana was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, and grandmother whose warmth, kindness, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew her.

Diana spent her early years in Pingree, where she grew up surrounded by family and lifelong friends. She later moved to Buchanan, where she made a home with her husband, Richard Readel. Together they raised three children: Randy Readel, Renee Donald, and Rebecca LaFavor. In 2001, Diana married Harlow Bales, and their life together was filled with love, companionship, and shared memories.

Diana was known for her hospitality and her unwavering faith. She found joy in hosting family meals, filling her home with love, laughter, and delicious food—especially her famous peanut butter pie and homemade cookies. Her warm spirit and generous heart made everyone who visited feel like part of her family. Diana was also an active member of Bismarck Community Church, where her faith was an essential part of her life. She cherished the fellowship and support she found within her church community. She made a large impact by building a large stained glass cross and donating it to the church where it still is installed today.

In addition to her faith and family, Diana enjoyed stained glass art, creating beautiful pieces that brought joy to those around her. She was also an enthusiastic participant in her local community coffee club, where she formed lasting friendships with her neighbors and fellow community members.

Diana is survived by her brother Brian (Joyce) Steele and their children Jesse (Jennifer) and Jeremy (Stacy) Steele. Sister Debbie (Curt) Nicklos and their children Lance (Rebecca) Pollert, Wyatt (Kelly) Pollert and Lacey (Matt) Krapp, Ryan (Melonie) Nicklos, Chad Nicklos and Mathew (Amanda) Nicklos. Great nieces and nephews; Cassandra Rowell, Trista, Macy and Jackson Steele, Bethany & Parker Janske, Will, Tayler, Kiana, Addie. and Hunter Pollert, Zoe (Easton) Gravelle, Rylee, Matia Krapp, Jace, Mia, Lukah, Parker, Remy, Bexley Nicklos. Diana’s children Randy (Bridgette) Readel and their children Cody (Beth) Readel and Jessica (Kevin) Hickey; Renee (Jay) Donald and their children Cole and Rylee, Rebecca (Robert) LaFavor and their children Justin, Tanner, and Ayla. Brad (Sally) Bales and their children Brittany (Jon) Bales, Colin (Erin), Christopher (Vanessa), Aaron (Eden). John (Kaye) Bales and children Brennen (Rachel), Whitney (Jesse), Lynette (Rick), and children Josiah (Hunter), Rachel (Kolby), Jennifer (Bryan) and daughter Morgan and 15 great grandchildren. Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Harlow Bales; her parents, Delbert and Shirley Steele; and a grandson Paul.

A memorial service will be held on 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Bismarck Community Church, 1617 Michigan Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 6:30 PM, Friday, September 19, 2025, at Bismarck Community Church. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 PM. The Burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bismarck Community Church or St Nick’s Home Medical Equipement 406 14th Street NW, Mandan ND 58554 in Diana’s memory.