Obituary of Diane Catherine McKinney

Diane Catherine D’Haene was born on September 1, 1960, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of five daughters born to the union of Robert and Dorothy (Morris) D’Haene. She attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1978. 

On June 23, 1980, at the Monroe County Courthouse, Diane married the love of her life, Robert McKinney and together the couple were blessed with a daughter: Melissa.  Diane was employed by her uncle who owned and operated D’Haene Carpet cleaning for seventeen years.  She then took a position as a janitor for Contract Service Group.  She worked for CSG for several years before retiring in 2018.

Diane loved making memories with Robert.  They spent time on Lake Erie fishing for walleye, she often rode on the back of his Harley Davidson motorcycle, shooting pool at Roark’s Tavern, or going up north to Mio, Michigan where they canoed down the Au Sable river.  Diane was an outstanding cook, who loved to make rolled cabbages and cherry cheesecake for family and friends.  Her most cherished pastime was spending time with her grandchildren.

Diane Catherine McKinney, age 63 of Monroe passed away on Saturday; January 13, 2024 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her paternal and maternal grandparents.

To cherish Diane’s memory she leaves her loving husband of forty-three years: Robert McKinney of Monroe; a daughter: Melissa Marie Finley of Monroe; her parents: Robert and Dorothy D’Haene; four sisters: Patty (Aaron) Poley of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Susan (Mark) Carollo of Monroe, Cindy (James “Jimbo”) McHone of Ida, Michigan, and Debbie (Rick) Loughridge of Grass Lake, Michigan; four grandchildren; Taylor (Kurtis) Anderson, Jeromy Finley, Jayce McKinney, and Jerrik Finley, all of Monroe; four great grandchildren: Ava and Savannah Shriner and Kaiden and Kennedy Anderson.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday; January 17, 2024 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Diane’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday; January 18, 2024 also at Merkle’s with Father Mike Anagbogu of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the family to assist with funeral arrangements.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.