Dianne Elizabeth Duran's Obituary
Big Rapids - Dianne Elizabeth Duran, age 70, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital.
She was born March 26, 1956, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of John and Joyce (Hanson) Jones. Dianne graduated from Alma High School. On August 24, 1981, she married Willard “Will” Duran, and together they made their home in Big Rapids.
Dianne was a dedicated and friendly presence in the community, working as a cashier at Menards. She also owned and operated Duran’s Tax Service, a business she truly loved and took great pride in helping others with.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including putting puzzles together, playing games, and reading. Dianne had a beautiful singing voice and a deep love for music. She was a devoted member of the Concert Ministries Incorporated choir, known as the Michigan-Ohio Concert Choir, for over 20 years, where she shared her talents as both a singer and later in a technical role.
Dianne will be remembered for her loving and caring nature, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her deep devotion to her family. She had a lighthearted spirit—famously always running a bit late—but never failed to show up when it mattered most. She would drop everything to be there for those she loved.
She is survived by her husband, Will; her daughter, Jill Duran of Toledo, Ohio; brothers, David (Terri) Jones and Bruce Jones; sisters, Carol (Walt) Enyart, Darlene Sher, and Renee Jones; brother-in-law, Gordon (Linda) Duran; and several nieces and nephews. Dianne was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Daniel; and sister, Mary Ellen.
Funeral services for Dianne will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Her family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. .
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