Diane Sanborn

Diane Elizabeth Sanborn, age 63, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed peacefully at home and got her wings to Heaven on Saturday, February 24, 2024, after a 17-month battle with cancer. Diane was born in Grand Rapids, on September 17, 1960, to Clinton and Barbara Hess who have both preceded her in death. Her little brother, Michael James Hess, also preceded her in death. She will be greatly missed and survived by her husband of 30+ years, Jeff Sanborn. Diane and Jeff were married on November 6, 1993, and together raised Diane’s three children, David and Sarah Cook, Brian Cook and Erin Sullivan, Ashley Cook and Adam Garcia; and Jeff’s three children, Corey and Ashley Sanborn, Shane Sanborn, Denise and Steven Atwood. Diane is also survived by her 13 grandchildren; sister, Jeanette and Paul Lucas; brothers, Paul and Sue Hess, Dave and Cheryl (Botham) Hess, Peter and Darlene (Richman) Hess; special aunts, Debbie and Marti; and several nieces and nephews. As a child, her father’s job in the trucking industry meant they moved 13 times. Diane graduated from Grand Rapids Public Schools in 1980. She was employed at several places during her life including: Blackmer Pump, Brauns Fashion, Applied Textiles, CVS Pharmacy, and most recently at Belwith Keeler as an inside sales representative. In Diane’s spare time, she enjoyed riding the Harley with Jeff, watching her Buffalo Bills, playing golf, bowling, gardening, traveling, visiting the casino, and tipping a few at the Log Cabin. Diane would talk to anyone and was blessed with many friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at U of M Health West Cancer Center for the excellent care provided to Diane over her 15+ months of chemo treatment. Lydia, Diane’s RN, is a “rock star” along with Dr. Al, Dr. Stephanie Dublis, Alexandra Christmas, and others there. The family would also like to thank the staff at Faith Hospice: Zach, Karla, Dr. Dozeman, and the other staff members who cared for Diane. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 12, from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m.-noon with a lunch to follow at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice or your local cancer center.