It is with deep sadness that we announce Diane Lynn Root (LaCoss) passed away on the morning of March 7 th , 2026, after a short but difficult battle with cancer.

Diane was born at Borgess hospital in Kalamazoo, MI to Theodore R. LaCoss and Olive E. LaCoss (Howe) on April 29 th , 1955. On June 30 th , 1978, Diane married Steven D. Root. Soon after she gave birth to their first son Michael D. Root on April 28 th , 1980, and had their second son Matthew P. Root on October 13, 1983. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her two boys.

Diane, Steve and the boys lived in various places while Steve was serving in the United States Army. They include Virginia, California, and Washington States. In 1992 they moved to Paw Paw for a year then they moved back to the Kalamazoo area after Steve was honorably discharged.

Diane worked in various places from her graduation in 1974 until her retirement.

Diane is survived by her husband Steven D. Root, children Michael (Lorinda) Root, Matthew Root, Grandkids Jaisen, Brayden, Liam, Emmalynn, Siblings Deb (David) Dolph, Dale LaCoss, Dan (Lori) LaCoss and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Theodore R. and Olive E. LaCoss. Her sister-in-law, Susan LaCoss.

Diane cared so deeply for her family and would do anything for any one of them. She would always put others before herself she did this up until the end of her last day on this glorious earth. Diane was loved so deeply by her husband Steven and her kids Michael and Matthew and adored by her grandkids. Diane loved her butterflies, hummingbirds and cardinals which she got from her mother Olive. Diane loved spending as much time as she could with her family even when not feeling well. Diane loved her siblings Deb, Dale, and Dan and all her nieces and nephews. She will be strongly and deeply missed and loved forever by all who knew her. She has always been an angel to all of us and now she is a forever angel.

FLY HIGH MOMMA

In lieu of flowers if you would like to help please send donations to the family, Congregational United Church of Christ: PO Box 227, 22 S. Church St. Galesburg MI, 49053, or Heartland Hospice of Portage: 8075 Creekside Dr # 120, Portage, MI 49024