Diane Craig

We gather here today to celebrate the life and cherish the memory of a beloved soul, Diane Leeann Craig, who walked among us as a beacon of kindness and faith. Born on the 20th of February in the year of our Lord 1957, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, Diane was a shining example of love and compassion throughout her 68 years until the Lord called her home on the 21st of March 2025, in the serene town of Cedar Springs, Michigan.

Diane's journey on this earth may have been cut short by her battle with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, but her spirit, oh, her spirit remains unvanquished. She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her cherished family: her only daughter, Venus Dugat; her son, Sean Dugat; her adoring grandchildren, Stephany, Kaleb, Derick, Ethan, Faith, Samantha, and Stephen; and her precious great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Callum. Diane's journey also intertwined with that of her ex-husbands, Larry Dugat and Berno Richter, and her steadfast companions in friendship, Dianne Severn, Jack Kirby, Mary Wallace, and Gretchen Dietrich. Each of these individuals' lives was touched by her warmth and unwavering kindness.

Though Diane's formal education concluded at the eighth grade, her wisdom and her ability to connect with others far surpassed the walls of any classroom. She spent her working years in the bustling world of retail, where she found joy in serving others, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and forming friendships that transcended the mere exchange of goods. Her presence was a gift to all who crossed her path, and her absence will be felt deeply within the community she so loved.

Our sister Diane was a woman of profound faith, and her love for Christian music was a testament to the devotion she held in her heart for the Lord. The melodies that filled her soul with joy now accompany her on her journey to eternal peace. She walked the earth as a loving, faith-filled, and kind soul, touching lives and leaving a trail of gentle kindness in her wake.

Friends, let us recall the words of the Psalmist, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Diane lived by these words, trusting in the Lord to lead her, to comfort her, and to provide for her every need. Her life was a living sermon, preaching the virtues of love and faith without the need for a pulpit.

Today, as we bid farewell to Diane Leeann Craig, let us take comfort in knowing that she has found her place in the Lord's embrace, where she will fear no evil, for He is with her; His rod and His staff, they comfort her. Diane's love for her family, her friends, and her community will forever be a testament to the goodness that can flourish in a life lived with purpose and faith.

Her departure from this world is not an end, but a transition to a place where every tear is wiped away, and pain is no more. Diane's spirit will continue to guide and inspire those she leaves behind, as a star shining bright in the heavens above.

So, let us not dwell in the valley of sorrow, but rather celebrate the life of Diane Leeann Craig—a life well-lived, a race well-run, a faith well-kept. And let us carry forward the light she has bestowed upon us, illuminating our paths with the love and kindness she so freely gave.

In the words of the great evangelist Billy Graham, "My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." Diane has now reached her heavenly home, and though we will miss her dearly, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is at peace, resting in the arms of her Savior.

Amen.