Diane M. Hays

Diane was born on March 8, 1959 in Escanaba, daughter of Norman Joseph and Mary Kathleen (Frazer) Marenger. She attended Escanaba High School and graduated in 1977. She then attended Bay de Noc Community College where she earned her associate’s degree.

On April 8, 1978, the former Diane Marenger married Gerald Hays at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba. They shared 47 years together and raised three boys, Gerald, Bryan, and Chad. Gerald and Diane felt blessed that they made it to their 47th wedding anniversary before her passing.

Along with her husband Gerald, she was a part-owner and operated A-1 Water Systems.

Diane was a proud volunteer with the UP Honor Flight and she enjoyed quilting and cooking. Spending time with her family out at the cottage and spoiling her grandchildren were the things Diane cherished most.

Among survivors are her loving husband, Gerald; sons, Gerald (Amber) Hays of Gladstone, Bryan (Nikkee) Hays of Superior, WI, and Chad (Tara) Hays of Negaunee; grandchildren, Hunter, Mason, Oliver, and a very special Baby Girl Hays, due in April; God-daughter, Raquel Provo; siblings, Janice (Ted) Prati, Sheryl (Andrew) Zook, Keith (Kendall) Marenger, and Kevin (Audrey) Marenger; several aunts and uncles; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Diane is preceded in death by her father, Norman Marenger.

Visitation will take place at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S 13th St, Escanaba, on Tuesday, April 15 from 2 until 4 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Rick Courier officiating.

Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Messages of sympathy can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.