Obituary: Diana Blodgett, 69, Ludington

Diana Blodgett

Diana Lynn Blodgett, 69, went to be with her heavenly Father on August 14, 2015.

Diana was born on January 3, 1946 to Lester Blodgett and Donna Jean Pappe of Ludington, and graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1964. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Michigan University in 1968. She later went on to receive her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University as well. While at Western Michigan University she was selected to the Homecoming Court and voted the Sweet Heart of Sigma Chi.

After graduating in 1968, Diana took her first teaching job at Climax-Scott Schools, followed by time spent in the Traverse City Schools, including a year teaching in one of Michigan’s last remaining one-room schools. For the next 28 years Diana enjoyed a fulfilling teaching career in the Ludington Area School district. She touched the lives of hundreds of children and her devotion and caring for them was unwavering during her 34 years of service.

Diana was a devoted mother, daughter, and sister. Some of her greatest blessings included four grandchildren whom she adored. All those who knew Diana will remember her impeccable style, flare for finding a good deal, and unforgettable laughter. She had an appreciation of all the arts and a love for animals and nature. Diana felt very fortunate that she was able to travel extensively and appreciated her many trips to the Upper Peninsula and Canada. Diana was an avid reader and frequent visitor of the Mason County Public Library. She enjoyed living close to the beach and often sat on the deck listening to the waves and reading a good book. Most importantly, Diana gave generously and received gratefully.

Diana took great joy in being an active member of the Ludington community as shown by her involvement with American Association of University Women (AAUW), Petunia Parade, Retired Teachers Association, local gourmet club, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and a lifetime member of the Community Church. Diana’s devotion to her family, friends and community left an indelible mark for everyone who knew her caring demeanor and hopeful vision of life.

Diana was well-loved by the Ludington Woods staff where she resided the last several years after being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She lived her final years with admirable grace and poise, continuing to take part in many activities. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Ludington Woods staff for the love and kindness shown to Diana.

Diana is survived by one brother, James (Cheryl) Blodgett of Lowell and Naples, FL; two sons, Brian (Amy) Benson of Ludington, James (Allison) Larsen of Hudsonville; and four grandchildren, Blake Benson, Ella, Asher, and Amaya Larsen.

Diana was preceded in death by her father, Lester Blodgett and mother, Donna Jean Thomsen.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m to noon on Saturday, August 22 at the Community Church of Ludington, followed by a service from noon to 1 p.m. with the Rev. John Brown officiating. There will be a luncheon from 1 to 2 p.m. in the lower level of Community Church of Ludington.  Cremation has taken place and final interment will be at Center Riverton Township Cemetery directly following the luncheon.

Memorial contributions in memory of Diana may be directed to the Salvation Army of Ludington.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.

Feel free to share a memory with Diana’s family on her personal web page at: www.oakgrovefh.com