Diana Jean (Smith) Keeder

Diana Jean Keeder, 76, of Jackson, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She was born on January 11, 1946, to Adelbert and Marion (Budd) Smith in Jackson. She met the love of her life, Dennis and were married on March 6, 1965.

Diana was a loving Wife, Mom, Grandma, Nana, Sister, and Friend. She was a devoted wife of 57 years to Dennis Keeder. Together they created a beautiful family and a life rich in life-long friendships. Family and friends were her world, and she gave her whole heart for anyone at any time. She had a loving warmth and feisty personality that will be missed dearly. Diana was passionate about gardening, cooking/baking, and living life to its fullest. When she wasn’t at home, she could be found with friends at the campgrounds, playing card games, bowling, or spending endless hours with her beloved grandkids and great grandkids. Diana was an avid bowler. She bowled for 46 years on Starlite Mixed and 40+ Funtimers League at Airport Lanes in Jackson. Diana was the bowling league secretary for 40+ years. Diana and Dennis were longtime campers at Sherwood Forest Campground in Munith, Michigan. She was known for her home-made noodles, bean soup and especially her Christmas sugar cookies.

Diana is survived by her loving husband of 57 years; Dennis, her children; Denise (Phil) Johnson of Jackson; Daniel (Poppy) Keeder of Jackson, Dean (Karen) Keeder of Kalamazoo; her granddaughter-in-law; Sara Johnson-Taylor of West Sussex, England, her grandchildren; Crystal (Lee) Stineman of Jackson, Patrick (Eden) Johnson of Jackson, Emma Keeder and Abigail Keeder of Kalamazoo, her great-grandchildren; Lily Taylor, Landon Stineman, Addison Stineman, Brantley Johnson and Eliana Johnson; her brother; James (AJ) Laura Smith of Houghton Lake and her sister; Sandy (Marv) Moss of Leslie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adelbert and Marion Smith, her grandson; Phillip Johnson II, her sisters; Judy Bellew and Dawn Southworth and her brother; DeWayne Smith.

Diana would often say, “I love you like the whole sky.” With her newly gained angel wings, she is truly our families “whole sky” watching us from above.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the American Legion Post # 29 3200 Lansing Ave. Jackson, Michigan 49202. The family invites you to stay after the service for a time of food, refreshment, and fellowship, until 5:00 pm.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post # 29. (3200 Lansing Ave. Jackson, Michigan 49202).

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.