Diann Louise Horton (Lighthart), 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. She was surrounded by love and family during her final days at Trillium Woods in Byron Center, Michigan.

Born on April 28, 1934, Diann lived a life filled with joy and love under the guidance of her Catholic faith. She graduated from Catholic Central High School alongside a lifelong group of friends known by many as the "Cottage Girls." Shortly after graduating, Diann enlisted in the U.S. Women's Army Corps and served in Germany for several years during the Korean conflict. Upon returning to the U.S., Diann followed her adventurous spirit to Utah and then California. Diann eventually returned to her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and met the love of her life, Philip Horton.

Diann's passion for beauty and the arts was evident throughout her entire life. She loved dance, artwork, figure skating, classical music, and gardening. Whether she was selecting a piece of pottery for her home, decorating for the holidays, or maintaining her backyard paradise in East Grand Rapids, Diann always found a way to admire the beauty in all the little parts of life.

Above all else, Diann cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother to four daughters, and an adoring grandmother to eight grandchildren. Diann was especially proud of her grandchildren and their achievements, always attending their academic ceremonies, concerts and recitals, and sporting events – rain or shine.

Diann was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Lucille Lighthart; brother, Donnie Lighthart, and sisters, Cathy Kubiak and Debra Weatherwax; and beloved grandson, Miles Bower.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Phil Horton; daughters, Dawn (Steve) White, Shelly (Jay) Robinson, Chandra (Jeff) Ireland, and Sheila Horton; grandchildren, Andi (Steve) Anders, Abbie, Hannah, and Eric Robinson, and Nick, Alexa, and Lauren Ireland; great-grandchildren, Edith and August Anders; dear and special friends, Bernie Mack, Dianne Quigley, and Nancy Reilly; and siblings, Ray (Susan) Lighthart, Tom (Julie) Lighthart, Susan (Ron) Barwacz, and Kim (Bob) Sweedyk.

Diann's family is grateful for the care provided by the teams at Faith Hospice and StoryPoint Grand Rapids East. Their exceptional compassion provided Diann and her family with peace and comfort in her final months.

Diann's legacy is one of strength, love, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by those who were privileged enough to love and be loved by her.

A memorial service celebrating Diann's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary, with eulogy and remarks beginning at 10:45 a.m. (1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506). A luncheon at IHM will be held directly following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made on Diann's behalf to Meals on Wheels of West Michigan and Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.