Hattie Diane Jasper

Hattie Diane Jasper, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, in the exemplary care of Grayling Hospital. She was 83 years old. Born on March 11, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio, Diane was the cherished daughter of the late Neal Holman Tucker and Selma Levina (Stickel) Tucker. In her early childhood, she moved with her family to Romulus, Michigan, where she was raised alongside her younger sister, the late Susan LeNealle (Tucker) Bezeau. Diane graduated from Romulus High School, where she met her future husband and lifelong partner, the late Harold Eudell Jasper. They were married on May 27, 1961, and shared 62 years of marriage before his passing. After establishing their first home in Westland, Michigan, Harold and Diane moved their growing family to South Boardman in 1974. Diane began a long and meaningful career with Forest Area Schools, where she served for over 35 years. She was often the first face children saw each morning - a firm, caring, and dependable presence who helped shape the start of countless school days. Diane made a lasting impact on generations of students with her strength, warmth, and kindness. Together, Diane and Harold raised three children—Kevin Jasper, Steven Jasper, and Kristin Jasper Witt—all of Kalkaska County. Diane was the heart of her family and the ultimate team mom, coach, school spirit leader, and bonus mother to many. She gave her time, energy, and love without hesitation, always putting others before herself. A gifted seamstress, Diane created handmade treasures for every occasion—from prom dresses and Halloween costumes to matching family outfits. Her creativity and love were present in everything she made. She brought thoughtfulness into everything she did and was known for her acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. Diane’s was also a fantastic cook and expressed her care by making excellent meals for all occasions. Diane was the epitome of selflessness—a woman of strength, grace, and deep compassion. There was no sacrifice too large to provide only the best for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her generosity, warmth, and devotion. She is survived by her children: Kevin Jasper, Steven (Lisa) Jasper, and Kristin (Charles) Witt. Her grandchildren brought Diane great joy. She is survived by her ten grandchildren Ben Birgy, Kyle (Brittany) Jasper, Kendra (Clayton) Drewyor, Haley Schram, Olivia Jasper, Stephen Witt, Alan Witt, Michael Witt, Jack Kloc, and Delaney Kloc; and her eight great-grandchildren: Beck Birgy, London Birgy, Esme Birgy, Ace Drewyor, Brock Drewyor, Cash Drewyor, Nolan Witt, and Amara Witt; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a wide circle of friends, neighbors, former coworkers and students whose lives were made better by knowing her. A memorial service will be held at Kalkaska Funeral Home on Saturday, August 2nd. The Jasper family will receive friends and family from 10:00–11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the funeral home’s lower level—because, as Diane would insist, everyone needs to eat. A graveside committal prayer will be held at 1:00 PM at Lodi Cemetery in South Boardman, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Diane’s name, honoring her compassion for children. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Hattie Diane Jasper

March 11, 1942 - July 20, 2025