Diana "DeeDee" Makin

Diana "DeeDee" Kay Makin, age 70, passed away on September 8, 2025 at Henry Ford Health in Jackson and is now pain free from her recent health issues. Diana was born on January 7, 1955 in Dearborn, Michigan to her parents the late Barbara Jean and Jack Waling.
She is survived by her sons, Lester (Aileen) Craig, Anthony (Lauralie) Craig, Dion (Jamie) Craig, and Michael Szpyra; siblings, Christopher Whaling, Lance Garcia, Leslie Garcia, and Karlyn Girnus; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving are her special friend, Clyde Kitts; beloved Pitbull, Frankie; Sue and the girls at Four Paws Grooming, along with all her clients and friends.
Diana attended Ferris State University before pursuing her lifelong passion for dog grooming. She was not only a groomer, but also a breeder and handler of show dogs, with a special love for Alaskan Malamutes. Many of her dogs went on to become national champions. Over the years, she owned several grooming shops throughout the state, eventually settling in Jackson, where she worked at Four Paws Grooming Shop. Diana took great pride in her work, cherishing the time spent with the customers and always offering a helping hand with their pets' needs.
Beyond her career, Diana enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She loved flowers and gardening, and she delighted in decorating for every holiday, especially Halloween. She was always up for a motorcycle ride. If anyone ever needed a passenger, she was ready to go. Animals were a central part of her life; she especially loved her horses, cats, and dogs, and she often rehabilitated raccoons, dogs, and squirrels, many of which she cared for right at the shop.
Diana was always the life of the party and the loudest of them all. Her family will deeply miss her funny stories, quick jokes, sarcasm, and carefree smile.
A celebration of Diana's life will be held on September 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM at 343 Maple Road, Michigan Center, Michigan.
Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Thome Pace, Mission Point Health Campus, and Fresenius Kidney Care of Jackson for their compassionate care and support.