She was born Oct. 23, 1950, to Carol “Stink” Billings and Ruth Billings in Niles. She moved to Florida in 2006 with her husband, Claude, from Eau Claire.

Diane had a lifelong love of children, which was evidenced by her life’s work as the owner and operator of a day care in Eau Claire for over 30 years. She also owned a day care in New Port Richey, Fla., for a short time before deciding to retire. Another of Diane’s loves was crocheting. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Holiday, Fla. Diane was also the previous village president of Eau Claire, co-president of the Cherry Festival, member of the Bag Ladies Association and other various Eau Claire community boards.

Diane is survived by her beloved husband of 14 years, Claude Atkins Jr.; mother, Ruth Billings; daughters: Tammy (Brian Collins) Taylor, Candy (Marc) Briney and Tracy (Jeremy Powell) Taylor; son, Sean Taylor; stepson, Ryan Atkins; brother, Alan Billings; sister, Debbie (Norbert) Shembarger; eight grandchildren: Kyle Collins, Caidyn Taylor, Sydney Briney, Ethan Fryatt, Devin Taylor, Sean Taylor Jr., Mia Powell and Adriana Briney; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Carol “Stink” Billings; and sister-in-law, Sue Billings.

A memorial service will be held in remembrance of Diane at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, at 1 p.m. Sept. 11, 2016, for family, 2 p.m. for the community and 3 p.m. service to follow. Donations may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085 or Grace Lutheran Church 6605 Pipestone St., Eau Claire, MI 49111.