Diane Kay First

Diane K. First, 76, of Dowagiac, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at home with her family by her side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI with Rev. Wade Panse of Cassopolis United Methodist Church officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 to Noon prior to the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Diane was born on April 13, 1941 in Dowagiac, MI. She graduated from Dowagiac High School, class of 1959. On September 5, 1959 she married the love of her life, Ron First. Diane worked as a Paraprofessional Educator at Dowagiac School Systems for thirty years. Through her work, Diane was known by many and touched several lives in the community. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Amish Country. Diane enjoyed sports and school events, closely following her children and grandchildren through their years of participating. Most of all, Diane loved spending time with her family, often hosting family dinners or parties. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ron; children, Jody (Michael) Gantt and Jamie (Liz) First; grandchildren, Jeffery (Katelyn Whiteoak) Gantt, Carly (Kelsey O’Bee) Gantt, Samuel Gantt, Christopher Gantt, Tyler (Robin) First and Tommy (Morgan) First; great-grandchildren, Cash Gantt, Cora Gantt, Tyler First, Jr., Lillian First and brother, Bruce (Pam) Fritz. She was preceded in death by her parents; Charles, Sr. and Audrey (Taylor) Fritz; son, Jeffrey First and siblings, Sharon Clarke, Don Fritz, Charles Fritz, Jr “Bucky” and Joan Keen.