Diann Elaine Kropp
March 23, 1948 – May 24, 2026
Diann Elaine Kropp, age 78, of St. Helen, Mich., passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Villa in West Branch. She was born on March 23, 1948, in Greenville, Mich., and lived a life marked by kindness, thoughtfulness, and love for her family and community.
Diann graduated from Lapeer High School in 1966 and carried the values of hard work and dedication with her throughout her life. She began her career working as a tax assessor in the Upper Peninsula and also enjoyed selling real estate. Later, she spent 18 years driving school bus for the West Branch Rose City School District, where she was a familiar and trusted presence to many children and families. After retiring from the school district, she continued to stay active by helping with the family roofing business, Bob’s Roofing.
Diann enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and found happiness in spending time with her family. She loved bowling, playing cards, dice, and cornhole, and she especially enjoyed walking and camping. These pastimes reflected her warm spirit and her appreciation for time spent with those she cared about most. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to those around her.
Above all else, Diann was devoted to her children and took great pride in her family. She is survived by her children, William (Theresa) Kropp, Michelle (Joe) Verrett, Roxann Armstrong, Jason (Bernice) Kropp, and Jeremy Kropp. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Travis, Desiree, Aliva, Shalayne, Taylor, Kalea, Whitney, Keaton, JJ, Audreonna, Steven, James, and Nichole, along with 23 great-grandchildren who brought her much joy. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Ripperdan, and many nieces and nephews who will remember her with love and affection.
Diann is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kropp; her parents, William and Phyllis Truax; brother, Gene Patterson, and sister, Judy Sweet.
Those who knew Diann will remember her as a kind, thoughtful, and loving woman whose life was centered on family, hard work, and quiet strength. She touched the lives of many through her steady devotion, her generous heart, and the care she showed to others. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 28, at the Edwards Township Cemetery in West Branch.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
William Robert Stephens
Feb. 19, 1943 – March 29, 2026
William Robert Stephens, age 83, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Mesa, Az. He was born on Feb. 19, 1943, in Taylor, Mich., to Leroy and Irene Stephens.
Bill graduated from Taylor Center High School in 1961 and graduated from Olivet College in 1965. He played football and ran track there.
After graduation from college, he taught biology and science at Taylor Center High School and Truman High School for 32 years. He also coached high school football and track at both of these schools.
After retiring in 1997, he was inducted in 2004 into the Taylor Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame for his many years of coaching football and track in Taylor.
Bill and his wife, Mary Ann, spent 28 years during the winter in Mesa, Az. They enjoyed not having to be in the cold Michigan winters.
They also traveled quite extensively. Bill’s bucket list trip was to the Galapagos Islands. He really enjoyed this trip. Being a biology teacher, he had a lot of comments and knowledge about the animals and Darwin’s philosophy on this trip. He enjoyed playing tennis for many years and was an avid golfer.
During his retirement he did a lot of wood carving. This was his passion in his later years when he wasn’t able to play sports a lot. He won many ribbons for his carvings at carving shows. He made a lot of carvings to give to people. His last big project was four flying birds of which he was very proud. One of his biggest joys was teaching new carvers the skill, at which he was very good.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 45 glorious years, Mary Ann Stephens; a very special aunt, Grace; brother-in-law, Rob (Joy) Kirr; many nieces and nephews, Shelly (Ben) Diaczok, Shannon Saliba, Scott (Karleen) Stephens, Tom Stephens, Brent (Leslie) Stephens, Taylor (John) Boyer, Mark (Jane) Stephens, Gregg (Clarissa) Stephens, Robbie (Chris) Stephens, Todd (Natalie) Stephens, Sarah (Branden) Perry, and Daniel Kirr. There are many great nieces and nephews and also great-greats who will miss their Uncle Bill.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers and sister, Jim, Jerry, Tom, Mick and Dorothy Westphal.
There will be a Celebration of Life in June 2026 in West Branch. There will also be one in Mesa in Jan. 2027.
Scott D. DeMars
Nov. 9, 1963 – May 9, 2026
Scott D. DeMars, passed away at home on May 9, 2026. Born on Nov. 9, 1963, in Detroit, Mich. to Dennis and Ruth Ann (Leasser) De Mars, Scott’s career was distinguished by his work with General Motors as an electrical engineer, where he applied his meticulous nature and sharp intellect to every challenge. His professional achievements were a source of pride not only to himself but also to those who valued his expert craftsmanship and careful attention to detail. Whether designing complex electrical systems or tackling innovative projects, Scott approached his work with a level of precision and care that defined his career.
Scott’s personal interests were as rich and varied as his professional life. In quieter moments, he found joy in building things – the creation of crystal radios during the winter downtime being a particular favorite pastime. He also had a deep passion for cooking, bringing the same careful attention to detail to his culinary endeavors as he did to his engineering projects. Scott was devoted to caring for his property and his beloved pets.
He will be dearly missed by his family, including his daughter Kayla Newbert; son Devin DeMars; grandchildren Kinsley Ilaria, Aubree Newbert, Bentley Newbert, Emerson Newbert; brother Curt DeMars; sister Cynthia (Dave) Evans, and significant other, Janice Witt.