Dear Readers:
I write this letter with a very heavy heart. On February 9, after a long battle with cancer, Dianne Sudbrock, the creator and former editor of the Boone Country Connection, passed away. The community has lost an extraordinary woman.
Dianne had a remarkable depth of knowledge about this area—its people, its history, and its stories. I have known Dianne for 26 years, and during that time she was not only a colleague but also a mentor and a dear friend.
When we purchased the Boone Country Connection in 2022, Dianne graciously allowed me to shadow her for an entire year. She patiently shared her knowledge and insight that I would need to keep the paper successful. I will forever cherish that year spent following her lead and learning from her example.
On the first Tuesday of each month, Dianne and I would proofread the paper. What started as proofreading sessions often turned into long conversations full of laughter, stories, and lessons, both personal and work-related. I will deeply miss our Tuesdays together—the guidance she offered and the wisdom she so generously shared.
When she offered critique, she took the time to explain why, turning every correction into a chance to learn and grow. That combination of honesty, kindness, and dedication is part of what made her so special.
As we move forward, we will honor Dianne’s legacy by continuing the Boone Country Connection with the same commitment to community, accuracy, and heart that she poured into it for so many years before she retired. This publication exists because of her love for this community, her vision, and her determination. Dianne’s influence will continue to guide us.
Please keep Dianne’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. And as you read this issue, I hope you’ll join me in remembering her with gratitude—for her work, her friendship, and the lasting impact she has had on all of us.
With Gratitude and Sympathy,
Kathy Miller, Editor
Boone Country Connection