Diane Kay (Fair) Clemens

Diane Kay (Fair) Clemens, 58, of Battle Creek passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, after having an unexpected brain aneurysm at home Thursday, April 9, 2020.

Diane was born October 25, 1961 in Coldwater, Michigan the daughter of Duane and Sarah Jane (Metzger) Fair. She grew up on a dairy farm in Bronson, Michigan and was a 1979 graduate of Bronson High School. Diane earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Valley State University. Diane was employed as a Special Education Elementary Teacher at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary for Battle Creek Public Schools. She taught there for 34 years and retired in 2017. After retiring, Diane returned to Battle Creek Public Schools and worked part time as a Title 1 educator. Diane was a fierce and passionate advocate for her students. She was dedicated to finding new and creative ways to educate, support, and help her students succeed.

Diane Kay Fair was united in marriage to Brian Lee Clemens August 5, 1989 in Bronson, Michigan. Surviving are Brian, her husband of 30+ years; a daughter, Anastasia "Annie" (Kirk) Nakama of Kalamazoo; a son, Dakota Clemens of Bellevue; mother, Sarah Jane Fair; brothers, Kevin and Curtis Fair; sisters, Dixie Kleinjans, Karen Frantz, and Martha Fair, and 5 nieces, 12 nephews, cousins and their families. Diane was preceded in death by her father, Duane Fair; mother-in-law, Virginia Clemens; sister, Becky Gilroy; brother-in-law, Bill Gilroy; and brother-in-law, Duane Ferry.

Diane was such a loving, selfless, and amazing person. She loved and trusted in the Lord with all of her heart. As a result, she continuously overflowed with pure joy and kindness. Her fun-loving and energetic personality impacted the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Diane was an extremely hard worker; she was always setting goals for herself and strived diligently to achieve them. She freely loved and helped everyone around her. Diane's bright smile and presence lit up every room she walked into. She was truly a vibrant, positive, and absolutely wonderful person to know and be around. She impacted so many people's lives through just simply being herself.

Diane adored hosting family gatherings and spending quality time with her loved ones. She was the ideal host, always willing to serve and provide for others around her. Diane loved being in and surrounded by nature. You could always find her working in her garden and flower beds in the warm seasons. She had a true gift for nurturing and caring for her beautiful plants. She also greatly enjoyed exercising. She demonstrated her love for physical activity through consistently walking in nature, swimming in her pool during the summer, attending the gym, and riding her bike on local trails or at home. Diane cherished spending time with her husband and children, and often found herself gathered with them around a bon fire on summer and fall nights.

Diane will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Many who knew Diane, have described her as a true inspiration and an extraordinary person. She has truly left a legacy here on Earth. Diane will continue to impact future generations through the honor in which she lived her life and how deeply she loved. Diane will be sincerely missed, but never forgotten.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a service will be held later when it is safe for Diane's family and friends to be together and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family c/o Diane's daughter, "Anastasia Nakama," and will be put toward her celebration of life ceremony that will be held at a later date. Donations may be mailed to Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, MI 49017.