The accidental death of Diane LaFountain of China Grove on Monday shocked and deeply saddened the Pike County community.

LaFountain was one of the most dedicated patriots in the county. She was one of the primary organizers and the main promoter of the China Grove Fourth of July Parade that, over 10 years, brought thousands of people to the usually sleepy China Grove community.

When the Fourth of July Parade moved to Meeksville in 2012, LaFountain volunteered to help organize and carry out the parade. She rode in the Peanut Butter Festival Parade in Brundidge in October as Miss China Grove.

“There’s never been anyone who was more patriotic that Diane,” said Brenda Peacock, of the Needmore community. “You never saw her without red, white and blue on. That was her trademark. Diane was full of life and she loved life. She loved her family and her community. She loved her husband, Hank, and was extremely dedicated to him throughout his illness. Diane was a good friend to many people and she was a good friend to me. She will be greatly missed throughout the county.”

Jimmy Messick, a China Grove neighbor, said LaFountain did a lot for the China Grove community over the years and continued to be its biggest cheerleader.

“Diane was a really nice person and did a lot for folks around here,” Messick said. “Diane and Hank moved to China Grove from Florida about 14 years ago and she made China Grove her home. We’ll miss her.”