Diane Harris

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, James Harris; her parents, Elwyn and Marion Derk; and her younger sister, Elizabeth Jandt.

Her memory lives on in her four children, Wendy (Gary) Roberts, Howard (Nannette) Harris, Lynn (Terry) Kruser and Elizabeth Egeler; as well as her 12 grand and 19 great-grandchildren.

Diane was born in Detroit on March 9, 1936. The family subsequently moved to Iron Mountain, where she attended school and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1954.

She married her high school sweetheart, James “Hutch” Harris, and started raising a family.

Once the children were older, Diane resumed her education at Northern Michigan University and graduated with honors in 1972. She began a career as an elementary school teacher at Garden Village and Woodland Elementary school here in Kingsford. While teaching, she continued her education and obtained a master’s degree in 1977. She loved teaching and often went above and beyond to provide enjoyable experiences for her students.

She filled her “free time” with numerous craft activities like ceramics, quilting and intricate handcrafted baskets that are still treasured by friends and family members.

After friends invited them to visit in Florida one winter they were hooked. When she retired they bought a place initially in Melbourne and later moved inland to The Villages. Life in the Villages was filled with golf, pickleball, mahjong, and socializing with new friends. It was so enjoyable that they made Florida their permanent home.

After Jim died, Diane returned to Iron Mountain to enjoy her final days with children and enjoying her grandkids.

Family will hold a private service in the spring and wishes to extend special thanks to doctors Shaker and Funtanilla as well as their wonderful staff. Also a special thank you to hospice … Faith and Emily who made it possible for her to remain home with family as difficult as it was. All of them made it possible for Diane to live at home with us for three years.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Diane Harris online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.