Diane Janette May Tester

Diane Tester, age 78 of Ithaca, passed away July 30, 2022.

Diane was born on August 29, 1943 in Mills Township in Ogemaw County, Michigan to Vera Belle Conway May and William Curtis May.

Her dad drowned when she was 1 1/2 years old. Her mom later married Benjamin Cooley.

The family moved to Ithaca in 1951 where she attended grade school and graduated with the class of 1961. 

She has three children, Lisa (Steven) Heimburger of Ithaca, Teressa Tester Yordy (Kevin Gantz) of Ithaca, and Gene (Toni) Tester Jr. of Alma. She also has five grandchildren, Brandon (Anea) Brzak of Breckenridge, Brittany Heimburger, Taylor (Chris) Carrow of Alma, Ryleigh Gates of Alma, Tyler Gates; two great granddaughters Ava Le Brzak and Shiloh Terese Austin; four great grandsons Dante and Dominic Buccilli, Gibson Brzak,  Brantley Carrow; two brothers Bill May of St. Johns and Ed (Lorie) Cooley of Ithaca; seven nieces; nine nephews; many cousins; and her dog Zeke.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William May and Vera May Cooley; her stepdad Benjamin Cooley; grandson Jade Michael Tester; sisters Ina Jean Carvalho and Joyce Marie Stambersky; brother Donald May; brothers-in-law John Carvalho and Donald Stambersky; sisters-in-law Caroline May, Shirley May, and Connie May; nephews Bill May and John Delbert Carvalho; niece Carolyn May;

Diane loved her family and was totally dedicated to them. She retired in 2005 after working a combined 35 years in different automotive component companies. 

Diane enjoyed writing poetry, reading and writing in her Bible. She also loved watching and feeding her little finches and squirrels. She loved watching the images made by clouds going across the sky Nature is so awesome. Diane also loved her soap opera The Young and the Restless and loved the Detroit Tigers - especially Miguel Cabrera. Diane also enjoyed the game shows Jeopardy! and the Wheel of Fortune, as well as watching CNN. Her main enjoyment was just being content in the quiet time of her own comfort zone.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Diane at 11am on Friday August 5, 2022 at the Seville Church of God in Elwell with Pastor Bob Fall officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Gratiot County Commission on Aging or to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Dave & Candy Hunter]

We will miss her , Diane was a very kind and great friend to my whole family and a wonderful neighbor and a joy to talk with and visit.

[Carolyn Tugan Van Wagoner]

A life-long dear friend, I shall greatly miss you from this earth, but will rejoice seeing you again in heaven for ever.

[Jerry & Cathy Timmons]

Teresa and family
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Her earthly battles are over....now at peace and in Gods loving embrace.

[Kathy Howes Kanitz]

Ed & Lore & family, so sorry for your loss.

[Melissa Hoag]

I am so very sorry for your loss. You’re mom will always hold a special place in my heart. Her smile and laugh will never be forgotten and I feel blessed to have known her. She loved her family fiercely and was so very proud of her children. May the memories she has left you bring you joy and peace.

[Dennis Page Family]

Diane was a great friend & neighbor to my Mom & Dad, Denny & Susie Page and our family. Many fond memories throughout the years. She will be dearly missed. Dad & the family gives our deepest sympathy.

[Deb & Riley]

We both had the pleasure of working with Diane at one place or another. Such a strong hard worker
R.I.P. Diane🙏

[Nola owen]

So sorry Teresa and family. Your mom was a sweet lady and good neighbor. God's peace.

[Kathleen nieman]

Our dear friend from childhood. The same smile, very funny gal. So genuine. Sweet person. We considered her our” other sister.” Diane we will miss you. Happy to know we will see you again in heaven.

[Kathleen nieman]

Bill. Ed, teresa, lisa, gene I am so sorry for your loss of your sister and mother. She was such a sweet friend.

[Ken Hawkes]

My condolences to the Tester and Heimberger families and all others affected by her passing. I was unaware of the struggles that she was facing and know she faced them like a warrior.