DIANE M. MARKS

October 4, 1948 – February 7, 2023

ELKHART- Diane M. Marks, 74, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday February 7, 2023 at her residence in Elkhart.  She was born October 4, 1948 in Fremont, Michigan to Russell Allen & Eleanor Mae (Emmith) Gates, Jr.

     On April 29, 2003, she married John Russel Marks.  He survives along with 2 stepsons, John R. (Anne) Marks, Jr., Thomas H. (Jessica) Marks both of Elkhart; 7 step grandchildren; 10 step greatgrandchildren and 1 sister, Leslie A. (Max) McCartney of Yuma, AZ.  Also surviving is a half-sister, Lorie Dossart of Wilkinson, WA; a half-brother, Derek Mirkle of Hobart, WA; a stepsister, Lorlyn Kraus of Garrett, IN; a stepbrother, Gary (Debbie) Evans of Holton, MI; a niece, Renee (Jeff) Foster and a nephew, Daniel (Patty Davis) Garl, Jr., both of Sturgis, MI and her furry friend, Rocky Jo.  She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Allen Gates, Jr. and her mother, Eleanor Mae Wallis.

     Diane was a member of the Stilettos on Steel Motorcycle Club, a life member of the Elkhart DAV Auxiliary, a member of the Elkhart Eagles Auxiliary and a member of the Women of the Moose in Dowagiac, MI.  She enjoyed riding her Spider Motorcycle, doing crafts and gardening.  Diane worked Vincent Bach and Actia.

     Cremation will take place and a celebration of life gathering will take place at a later date.  Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with her care.

     Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Elkhart County Humane Society.