Dianne Watts

Dianne Marie (Hartzman) Watts, age 84, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence at 5:00 A.M. Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Traverse City, Michigan, with her children by her side. Dianne was born on October 4th, 1941 to Clarence Melfred Hartzman and Marie Alice (Timmermann) Hartzman. The family located to 13 Monterey St., Pontiac, Michigan, where she and her two older brothers were raised. Dianne is survived by: her children Jeffrey Allen Watts (Colleen), Lori Ellen Watts (Ron Fitzsimmons); her grandchildren Pine Kopka-Ross, Hannah Elizabeth Marie Watts (James O’Doherty), David Allen John Watts (Whitney); her two great-grandchildren, and many dear nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. She is preceded in passing by her parents, her husband Allen John Watts, and her brothers, Gary Glen Hartzman and Melfred Leslie Hartzman (Les). Allen and Dianne were married April 6th, 1963. Their “movie star looks” were not sufficient for a down payment, so they settled for a 3rd floor walk-up on South Marshall St. Through talent and hard work each were able to excel in their occupations – Allen at the Pontiac Fire Department and Dianne at Pontiac Motors. Eventually they were able to purchase their own home in a quiet area of Waterford. Throughout these working years spent at 5489 Vincent Drive they raised their children, instilling in them the values of Faith, Family, Friends, Work Ethic, and Fun (order intended). The family enjoyed simple pleasures such as church on Sundays, home cooked meals together without cell phones, bike rides without helmets, and wholesome family TV shows. Many happy summers were spent up at Lakeshore Campground in Cross Village, on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan where Allen and Dianne forged fireside friendships that have endured to this day. They retired to Presque Isle, MI in 2000. Dianne was an excellent cook, blending her own creations with her forebear German dishes. She loved her dogs, wrote poetry, made clothing, knitted sweaters and blankets, and could type more w.p.m. and wrap Christmas presents better than most professionals. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Special thanks to Brandon and the exceptionally caring staff at French Manor Terra Assisted Living in Traverse City. A Memorial Service will be held at Community Bible Church, 1888 Crescent Lake Rd, Waterford Township, Michigan 48327 on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. Coffee/Tea, Appetizers and Desserts will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Bible Church, Waterford, Michigan, or, Cherryland Humane Society, Traverse City, Michigan, two organizations doing work that Dianne considered important.

Dianne Watts

October 4, 1941 - February 8, 2026