Diane M. Brubaker

Diane Marie (Urban) Brubaker, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at McLaren Bay Region, with her family by her side, at the age of 76. She was born on October 18, 1949, to the late Theodore Urban, Delores Lusher, and special stepfather Cleatus E. Paine.

Diane was a lifelong resident of Bay City, except for a year and a half spent in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her late husband David Owen Brubaker during his basic training for the Army. They were married on February 19th, 1966, and had three children, Lisa (Tom) Toth, Tracie (Jon) Stachowiak, and Kellie (Bob) Phillips. She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2000 but cherished his memory every day for the last 26 years. Her love and loyalty were admirable.

She retired from Bay Medical in 1991 after 13 years of dedicated service. Following her retirement from Bay Medical, she worked for an orthodontist and in the ISD Para-Pro Program before leaving due to health concerns.

She was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association for many years, holding numerous offices throughout her membership. She also volunteered at Trombley and Lindsay Elementary schools over the years and was a member of the Police Ladies Auxiliary when it was active, as well as AMVETS Post #22 and Eagles #1010. Diane was very proud of her community involvement and enjoyed being around people.

Diane loved the casino and could always be seen having a good time playing the slot machines. She was one of the best cooks and enjoyed cooking and entertaining her family and friends. She hosted many parties and holidays at her home, including swimming and karaoke parties and was sure to welcome everyone with open arms and a full plate.

Above all, Diane cherished time spent with her family, who were the center of her life. Post retirement she dedicated her time to her grandchildren Tiffany (Marty) Stachowiak-Ethridge, Carly Jo (Brayden Redfern) and Wyatt Stachowiak, David (Shannon Hankish) and Gunnar (Zachary Seymour) Phillips, Max and Alex (Alison) Freeman, Crystal (Ethan) Olander, and Jon Toth and great grandchildren Amelia Feinauer, Bryson and Sophia Redfern, Alli, Addi, Ethan, and Gavin Ethridge, Easton and Peyton Phillips, and Maverick, Wrenley, and Nola Olander. It was rare a day passed that one or many of them weren’t with her for the day making memories. She especially enjoyed going to their sporting events, dance recitals, and school functions to cheer them on and support them.

She is also survived by her younger brother Leo Urban who she loved very much and often spoke of the times they shared during their childhood, special niece Jill Bauer, several other nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Jeanette (Bill) Rase, and special friends Clara Davis, Lupe Barocio, and Ron and Gloria Stachowiak, and many other extended family members.

Along with her husband David, Diane was preceded in death by her son-in-law Jon Stachowiak, nephew Chad Cleatus Urban, nephew Jeff Urban, special friend Jean Toth, parents Theodore Urban, Delores Lusher, step-father Cleatus Paine, grandparents Oren and Amanda Lusher and Otto and Anna Mary Kiesel, and Leo and Francis Urban, Olive and Tom Paine, mother-in-law Marie “Mimi” Brubaker-Deprekel, and many other beloved family members.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Corpus Christi Parish. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to the wishes of the family.