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Diana Eckert

April 13, 1975 - September 9, 2022
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Friday, September 16, 2022
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
West Cannon Baptist Church
5760 Cannonsburg Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306
Map

Service

Saturday, September 17, 2022
11:00 AM EDT
West Cannon Baptist Church
5760 Cannonsburg Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306
Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

West Cannon Baptist Church
5760 Cannonsburg Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306

"For use in MotherWell Ministry"

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Diana Marie Eckert, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She strove to be a shining example of kindness for others, and her unshakeable faith was the firm foundation of her life. A loving wife and mother, Diana was overjoyed to watch her family tree blossom to enjoy so many branches of loved ones who were the light of her life. She was well known for being ready and willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. Dearly loved, Diana will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

It was during the 1970s that America was on the cusp of various advancements in technology that would make our daily lives easier. Bands like the Eagles and the Rolling Stones were among the big names, and shows like The Brady Bunch changed how we saw the American family. It was during this eventful time that Diana Marie was born on April 13th, 1975 to Michael and Evelyn (Schlotter) Cremer.

Growing up, Diana was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was the youngest of two children, joining her older brother, David, who was eleven months older than her in their family. When Diana’s parents divorced, Diana and David moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with their mother. The two siblings would live with their grandparents, Virgil and Evelyn Schlotter, for much of their childhood, and they were virtually inseparable. Diana enjoyed taking trips to visit extended family such as her aunt who lived in Nashville, Tennessee. The family also took a memorable vacation most summers, going on adventures to various locations in the United States.

While pursuing her education, Diana attended local Northview Schools. She was quite social throughout her school years and was always surrounded by a group of close friends. Throughout her childhood, Diana participated in the Girl Scouts and in a local children’s choir. She was able to form the foundation of her faith while attending Sparta Countryside Church, and she then later went on to become a member of Berkley Hills Community Church. Even at a young age, Diana was not afraid to work hard. She spent one summer working at McDonalds before helping her aunt in Nashville in the real estate business. For her senior year, Diana moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in order to attend God’s Bible School and College, where she continued to strive for academic excellence.

New and exciting changes were in store for Diana as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was Leslie Eckert, and the two first met in her first year at God’s Bible School and College. Both Diana and Les both worked on campus, allowing them to spend time together. Over time, their friendship grew into a deeper relationship, and it didn’t take them long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Diana and Les were married on June 17, 1995 at Berkley Hills Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds then returned to Cincinnati to step into their future together.

All who knew Diana can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. After her grandfather passed away, she and Les moved in with her grandmother, honoring their promise to return to Grand Rapids if her grandparents ever needed help. Diana learned many valuable lessons throughout her time spent with Grandma Schlotter, who modeled a life of service and caring for others. When her grandmother passed away in 2011, Diana leaned on her faith and found comfort in watching the cardinals that reminded her of her grandmother. She also had a special bond with her Aunt Dianne. It has even been said that the two were a force to be reckoned with. Together Diana and Les were overjoyed to welcome their two beloved daughters, Aubrey and Sabrina, into their hearts and home. She truly thrived in her role as mother and was always known to put the needs of her loved ones above her own. Diana enjoyed the time spent with her daughters when she took them to school each morning, sometimes leaving them with lipstick kisses on their cheek or hand. She also remained very close with her brother. The two talked regularly and often confided in each other. Diana always considered herself blessed to be able to surround herself with so many loved ones.

In order to support herself and her family, Diana first worked in a property management office. Though she was quite busy, she managed to become a licensed real estate agent in 2013. Diana may have struggled with promoting herself at times, but she never doubted her own abilities to succeed. She quickly learned how to skillfully juggle her family and her career.

Never one to like sitting still for long, Diana pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed baking pretty cakes for her daughters, and she liked to work in the flower garden. Diana was always willing to try her hand at something new, including scrapbooking. She loved using Facebook to check in on old friends and reconnect with people. Diana liked listening to crime shows on her phone. She continued to enjoy traveling, and she took a memorable trip to Disney in 2018 with her husband and daughters. Diana was an active member of Bristolwood Church for a time before attending West Cannon Baptist Church, where she was filled spiritually with the teachings and relationships she experienced. She also enjoyed attending various Bible studies over the years, and she relied on her faith for strength whenever she needed. Though she sometimes struggled with finding the words to pray, she always trusted that He would provide what she needed. Diana often said to be still and wait on God.

As family and friends can surely attest, Diana Eckert truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement for those around her, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Diana more joy than spending time with her family. Her heart of service allowed her to touch the lives of countless others in ways both great and small. After her mother, Evelyn, was diagnosed with Leukemia, Diana jumped right in and was her strongest advocate. She helped Evelyn navigate through her greatest challenges. This time of trial brought them closer and in true Diana fashion, she was the best example of Christ-like love with acts of service. Though she will be forever missed, Diana leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Diana Marie Eckert, age 47 of Grand Rapids, is now with her Lord and Savior, after passing away following a short illness. She is survived by her husband, Les; daughters Aubrey and Sabrina; mother, Evelyn Phillips; brother, David Cremer; sister, Beth Hughes; her special aunts, Dianne (Harold) Rucker and Karla Schlotter; parents-in-law John and Alice Eckert; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Diana was preceded in death by her father, Michael Cremer.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11 AM at West Cannon Baptist Church. Visitation at church on Friday from 5-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to West Cannon Baptist Church for their MotherWell Ministry. To read more about Diana, to share a favorite photo or memory, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com

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