Tabitha Lang

Tabitha Lang, age 81 (3 weeks shy of her 82^nd Birthday), of Mesa Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on March 14,2024 in Mesa.

Tabitha Lang was born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Walvin and Martha (Miller) Diede on April 6,1942. She went to a rural elementary school in Ketterling, N.D. Graduated Gackle High School in 1961. She wed Norman Lang in December of 1961. They were married 28 years and were lifelong companions until his death in 2016. She attended Interstate Business college and took other general education classes at Cabrillo College in California. While raising her two children; Lyle & Christina (Tina), she was active with volunteering for Vacation bible school, sewing the Choir gowns and being a Den Club Leader. An avid gardener, she cultivated and maintained a large garden that included a variety of vegetables, Rhubarb and a large Strawberry patch! She canned vegetables, made jams & sauces, including ketchup from the garden’s many offerings. She participated in Holy Trinity’s church community garden.

Tabitha’s main passion was sewing. Many beautifully hand-crafted garments are being worn by friends and family today, and with her attention to detail, and quality tailoring, these will certainly stand the test of time, memorializing Tabitha in a tangible way for many years to come. The mark she left on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to be in her orbit will continue to endure. She worked at ‘The Status Symbol’, a custom Bridal dress boutique in Wisconsin. She took a European Tailor course while residing there. She completed a full-length custom wool coat. During life in Wyoming, she was a Denny’s Restaurant Manager. She also taught a basic sewing course at the local Community College in Cheyenne. In California, she continued as a Manager for Dennys Restaurants. After sustaining an injury at the Restaurant, she went back to school to update her office skills. She started working at Oak Tree Villa as a front desk Supervisor. She excelled at her job. She won Employee of the month and in 2000 she won Employee of the year.

 She still had her love of sewing. She concurrently worked at the Bridal Vail’, a custom Wedding dress boutique, in Santa Cuz. Where she proved to be a valuable asset. She moved to Mesa, Arizona to retire. One day she walked into Sally’s Fabric store, noted a “Help wanted” sign and walked out with the job after a brief interview. She enjoyed working there until the business closed. She enjoyed every workday and commented it never felt like work. Her last job was working at a satellite Post Office at the GoodLife RV Resort in Mesa. She met and made some wonderful friends there. She officially stayed retired in 2020. Even into her 80’s she was still actively sewing gifts for friends and family. Her sewing machine had a current project on it when she passed away. 

Tabitha is preceded in death by her two parents Walvin and Martha Diede, and former spouse/life companion, Norman Lang.

Tabitha is survived by son Lyle and wife Lori Lang, daughter Christina (Tina) and husband Chris Johnson, grandchildren Madeline, Alex and Olivia Lang.

A Life Celebration will be held at Mesa Spirit March 26^th from 3pm-5pm. Please come share some stories and loving memories of Tabitha’s.3020 E Main Street, Mesa AZ 85213. Social Hall off main building, in the Hopi room.

A memorial service will be held at Victory Lutheran Church in Jamestown to celebrate and honor Tabitha’s life and Legacy @ 10:00 AM  June 15, 2024

 A private internment of Tabitha’s ashes will take place at the Miller Cemetery southwest of Streeter, ND.