Dianne Joan Buys

Dianne Joan Buys, age 73, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on October 12, 2026.

Dianne was born in Muskegon on December 27, 1952, to the late Leonard and Barbara (Vunk) Buys. A lifelong area resident, Dianne graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School with the Class of 1971. Driven by a sharp mind, an independent spirit, and a passion for problem-solving, she later attended Grand Valley State University, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics when she was in her 30's. She enjoyed sharing her love for learning as a substitute professor of mathematics. 

Dianne dedicated 15 years to working in the corporate mainframe computer room at Quality Farm & Fleet before working at Shape Corporation in Grand Haven. A woman of deep Christian faith, she lived life on her own terms. Dianne was a lifetime member of the VFW of the North Muskegon VFW Auxiliary (Don Rea Post), honoring her family's military legacy.

In her free time, Dianne embraced a wide array of hobbies. She was an avid reader and painter who created acrylic pieces on canvas, she liked collecting jems and jewelry, played online computer games such as World of Warcraft and Farmville, and looked forward to casino trips and baseball games with family. She loved traveling and had always dreamed of taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.

Dianne is survived by her devoted children: Bridgette Ward, Mary (Dave) Ruzicka, and Orval "Rocky" (Maria) Strait; stepdaughters Lisa Strait and Tami (Michael) Beerman; grandchildren Erika Ward, Jacob Ward, Kieran (Danny) Selgor, Brielle Strait, Alexis, Alicia, Hansy, Jeimy, Cevin, Richard, JC, Amanda and Randy; cherished great-grandchildren Elizabeth Ward and Alayna Strait; and her siblings Susan Flora, Stephen Buys, and Gregory Buys.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Nicholas Strait; her parents, Leonard and Barbara Buys; and her siblings, Leonard Buys and Jilleen Graves.

In accordance with Dianne's wishes, cremation has taken place. Her family will celebrate her adventurous spirit with a bucket-list journey to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. A private family memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home's digital guestbook at www.clockfuneralhome.com