Diane Joyce Chatfield

Diane Joyce Chatfield, 75, of Onsted passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 5 following a courageous and graceful battle with cancer. In her final moments, she found herself surrounded by many loving family members and friends; a testament to the impact she had on all those in her life.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Chatfield; son, Todd Chatfield; daughter, Debra Gentner and her husband Todd; four grandchildren, Zachary Gentner and his wife Maggie, Chelsea Hoffman and her husband Dakota, MacKenzie Gutt and her husband Raymond, and Connor Chatfield and his wife Madison; a great-grandchild, Johnathan Gutt; and a sister, Virginia Langenderfer and her husband Allan.

Diane was born on July 20, 1945, in Tecumseh, Mich., to John Kenneth MacKenzie and Alice Dierkens-MacKenzie, both of whom preceded her in death. During her childhood, she received an education at a one-room schoolhouse in Wolf Creek. She later attended and graduated from Onsted Community School. She resided with her family at the MacKenzie farm on Gilbert Highway until her marriage to Robert on February 6, 1965.

Together, they spent many happy years farming in Onsted and operating a small business in Jackson. She often said the secret to their strong marriage was her favorite saying, “always kiss me goodnight”. Robert and Diane shared a love that was something to aspire to.

Diane loved Elvis Presley, playing the casino slot machines, and attending auctions to find antiques, but most of all, she loved her family. There was nothing dearer to her than a simple conversation with those she cherished most. She never failed to bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts with her reassuring wink.

She has chosen to be cremated and will later hold a small and intimate burial ceremony with immediate family in Maple Shade Cemetery in Onsted. There will be no visitation services. It is following this burial rite that she will finally come to her eternal resting place, adjacent to her mother and father.

We would like to thank all those that were in her company through her final moments. A special thank you is also due to Hospice, CareLine, and Anderson-Marry funeral homes for the care and compassion they provided in the moments proceeding her passing. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Careline Hospice, 113 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 102, Jackson, MI 49201.