Teresa Dianne Hyde Deslatte
“Dianne” · Born February 27, 1946 · Pineville, Louisiana
From a Pineville childhood of dance, music, and twirling fire batons, to a medical career, an Air Force life that spanned Montana to Germany, a second calling as a teacher, and a family she has held close through every turn — this is Dianne’s story.
It is told here the way she told it — one chapter at a time.
Growing Up in Pineville 1946 · Pineville, Louisiana
Born in Alexandria
Dianne was born on February 27, 1946, in Alexandria, Louisiana, the oldest of three children. She grew up in Pineville and attended its public schools.
A Childhood of Music and Motion
Hers was a full and social childhood. Dianne was privileged to take dance classes of every kind and piano lessons — and she took up baton twirling, going so far as to twirl fire batons.
Campus Queen at Pineville High
At Pineville High School, Dianne was crowned Campus Queen. She was also a majorette and played flute in the school band.
College, Medicine & Marriage Louisiana College · the University of Tennessee
Louisiana College
Dianne attended Louisiana College for three years, where she was a majorette and a booster.
The University of Tennessee
She then transferred to the University of Tennessee to complete her medical education, training to become a medical record administrator.
Marrying Her High School Sweetheart
Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, Dianne married her high school sweetheart — Leo.
Baptist Hospital
Dianne worked at Baptist Hospital — known today as Rapides Regional Hospital — while Leo finished Louisiana College and went through Air Force basic training and officer school.
The Air Force Years Montana · Korea · Virginia · Germany
Great Falls, Montana
Their first assignment took them to Great Falls, Montana. As the only Deep South couple there, it was a true culture shock — but they made lifetime friends. Dianne worked as a medical records administrator consultant in Cut Bank, Conrad, Havre, and Great Falls.
Osan, Korea — and a New Son
Leo was sent unaccompanied to what they expected would be Vietnam — it turned out to be Osan, Korea. Dianne was pregnant with their first son, Cliff, during this time, and Leo first saw him at ten months of age.
Petersburg, Virginia
Next came Petersburg, Virginia, where Dianne worked at Petersburg Hospital with 23 young women under her supervision. She had just learned she was expecting again when orders came for Germany.
Three Years in Germany
Overseas, the family learned they were expecting twins — and, heartbreakingly, lost one. They loved Europe and traveled it as much as they could. Leo was honored to take part in the William Tell competition, and then they left the Air Force. Dianne had loved military life and would gladly have seen Leo stay on in some form, but he was ready for what came next.
Home to Louisiana — A Teacher Pineville · a new degree · the classroom
Back Home to Raise a Family
Leo and Dianne decided to return to Pineville, Louisiana to raise their family — a decision Dianne counts as a good one.
A New Degree, a New Calling
Unable to find work as a medical record administrator, Dianne went back to Louisiana College and earned an education degree, becoming certified to teach from PreK through 8th grade.
Years in the Classroom
She taught in both private and public schools, and she gave it her all — retiring, with burnout, when Leo developed medical issues and needed her more.
1990 — A Family Turning Point July 8, 1990
Wesley’s Accident
On July 8, 1990, the Deslattes’ youngest son, Wesley, was injured in a horrific car accident, and all of their lives were altered dramatically. They chose to keep Wes home with them for the rest of their lives.
Working Side by Side The water transfer years
A Business, Together
Dianne and Leo enjoyed working together in the water transfer business, and found they made a good team. When the industry shut down in Louisiana overnight, they knew it was time to step away.
Devoted to Family Today
The Joy of Grandchildren
Since then, Dianne has devoted herself to her family, and it has been a joy. Because her grandchildren came later in her life, she has had the time and the opportunity to truly enjoy them and share in their lives.
Still Curious, Still Learning
Her days are full — watching her grandson Jayden play baseball and join in his school activities, along with cooking, reading, gardening, and time with friends. She once took up flying, and is candid that fear stopped her on a solo cross-country attempt. She loves traveling the backroads, exploring the state and country — and though age has slowed some of it, she still loves to learn.
A life given to family — and it has been a joy.