Died January 9, 2024
Diane Kathleen Silkworth, 77, peacefully passed away on January 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her house on Lake Leelanau. That morning, prior to her death, Diane listened to soft guitar and singing from a group of ten family and friends. During the prior evening, Diane cheerfully watched the Michigan football triumph—a family tradition. Born on April 29, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Diane was the cherished daughter of Viola and Marshall Douglas. As a child, she loved waiting by her farm country roadside to watch Roy Rogers arrive with his horse wagons when in town for a parade.
Diane’s passion for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts Education from Western Michigan University. She dedicated her career to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher at Purdy Elementary School and Hopkins Elementary School—both in Southwest Michigan. Diane’s commitment extended beyond the classroom, where she devoted time to teaching Sunday School and serving as church treasurer. A true “soccer mom” and dedicated parent, Diane was actively involved in her children’s lives, shuttling them to dance, football, volleyball, wrestling, and soccer practices in her station-wagon or van.
