Diane Marie (Schmelter) Hanson

Diane Marie Hanson

November 9, 1943 – August 11, 2023

Diane Marie Hanson, age 79, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023. Diane is survived by her daughters, Danielle (Everett) Stafford, Michelle Hanson, and Nicolle (Kyle) Krause. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Kyle, Kayla, Zachary, Theodore, and Lincoln; as well as a great-grandson, Noah. Diane also had the tremendous fortune to be one of 12 twelve children of the late Elmer and Mary June Schmelter. Left to remember Diane fondly are nine siblings: Gerald (Shelly) Schmelter, Daniel (Nancy) Schmelter, James (Rose) Schmelter, Joyce (Edwin) Bennett, Rosemary (Charlie) Parks, Patrice Mullen, Pamela Mills, MaryEllen (Douglas) Perney, and Jeanette (Glenn) Jones.  She also was an aunt to numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. In addition to her parents, Diane will join her brother Jeffrey Schmelter and sister Jacqueline Schmelter in the heavenly kingdom of our Lord.

Diane was a longtime resident of Griffith, IN after spending her childhood growing up in Hobart, IN. She attended St. Bridget School in Hobart and was a proud 1962 graduate of Bishop Noll Institute. With such a large family lovingly surrounding her, it should come as no surprise that family was, indeed, the most important part of her life. Over the years she fondly recounted many stories of growing up on the family farm to her children and reminiscing those events with her siblings. Diane was endowed with the ability to see the good in each and every person she met and truly never had a bad word to say about anyone. As her brother Jerry remembered, “She persevered through whatever life brought her way with fortitude, kindness, and grace”.

Diane was a longtime member of St. Mary’s in Griffith, IN, and dedicated much of her adult life and truly loved supporting the church in many capacities. She proudly served many years as a Eucharistic Minister, was a volunteer during the annual Western Days and Market Day fundraisers and served as a waitress for the many events that St. Mary’s hosted. Next to her family, St. Mary’s was a cherished part of her life, and she loved it dearly. Diane was a sports enthusiast, a huge fan of Notre Dame football, an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, and particularly enjoyed working with ceramics. She thankfully passed down those passions to her daughters and grandchildren.

Diane leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. She will be especially missed by her family who will cherish the memories they have and be comforted in the knowledge that she stands at the side of our Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be at White’s Funeral Home, 921 W. Glen Park Avenue, Griffith, IN from 3-7 PM on Tuesday, August 22 with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at a different location on Wednesday, August 23, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 525 N. Broad Street, Griffith, IN. Final goodbyes will begin at 9:30 AM with the Mass beginning at 10:00 AM.

For additional information, please contact us at (219) 924-4100 or visit us www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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