Diane E. Black

Diane E. Black, 85, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 22nd, 2025.

She was born on November 20th, 1940 in Fremont to the late Lawrence and Dolores (Whittaker) Grubb. On April 24th, 1965, she married her best friend and the love of her life, Haldon J. “Haldie” Black. During their 44 year journey, Diane and Haldon were blessed with two sons, Christopher and Chad, eight grandchildren, and countless memories.

Diane was a graduate of the 1958 class of St. Joseph High School and later attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo. After school, Diane started her career as a surgical assistant at Fremont Community Hospital. Later, she worked as a dispatcher for the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. Following her time with the sheriff’s office, Diane was the Adolescent Coordinator for the Sandusky County Drug and Alcohol Program. In support of her husband’s dream of owning his own business, Diane was the bookkeeper for Rainbow Lounge in Fremont, which she co-managed with Haldon. Diane, a lover of plants and nature, ended her career at Prairie Flowers. She retired in 2009. While proud of her body of work, Diane cherished her job of mom and grandma above all others.

Diane loved music, singing, cross-stitching, camping, and travel. A true lover of the outdoors, she was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of hers when she explored the Alaskan wilderness with her husband. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were her “pride and joy.” Whether it was through the animated reading of stories, spreading the joy and wonder of Christmas, steadfast attendance at recitals and hockey games, or simply always having her door open to everyone, Diane made sure that each and every one of her family members always felt loved. Along with family, faith was the foundation of Diane’s life, and she was born again through Jesus Christ on October 9th, 1997. Knowing the importance of faith, Diane regularly shared the teachings of Jesus and encouraged her family to follow in his path. Diane was a proud and active member of Grace Community Church, where she participated in choir and many other church activities.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Chad (Rhonda) Black; daughter-in-law Carla (Christopher) Black; grandchildren Devin (Ashley), Alyssa (Joey), Makinsey (Cage), Kelvin, Aidan, Ashton, Karson, and Cameron; great-grandchildren Rowen, Adalynn, Elise, Josie, and Arbor; siblings James (Sally) Grubb and Mary Ellen (Tom) Stephens; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Dolores Grubb; husband Haldon J. Black; and son Christopher L. Black.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29th at Grace Community Church in Fremont at 11:00am with service officiated by Pastor Tim Wisehart to follow at 12:00pm.

Donations in Diane’s memory may be made to Grace Community Church Benevolence Fund and/or Alzheimer’s Association.