Diane Cowart

Diane Sharon Cowart, a resident of Westland, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024.  Age 83.

A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor Diane’s life.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Capuchin Kitchen in Detroit, or Save the Children, In honor of Diane Cowart.

Diane is survived by her children: Hugh (Denise) Larkin, Andrea (Chris) Rockstad, Marianne Rachfal, and James (Holly) Larkin. Her stepchildren Debbie (Tim) Bigham, Diane (Armand) Matte, Dawn (Rod) Glitz, and David (Rochelle) Cowart.  Twenty two grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. Brother, Douglas Childs & Sister, Maryellen Klein.

Diane was a resilient, hardworking, creative and strongly independent person.

Growing up in Detroit, as a young person, Diane enjoyed what the city and the surrounding area had to offer. Mainly, swimming at the public pool.  As a high school freshman, she earned varsity status on the swim team.  She was skilled at many jobs in her middle and high school years. To name a few;  working at the milk depot, and the bakery.  She was a summer camp counselor for children during her high school years.  Held a position at Hudson’s working in the decor and women's clothing department.  She also worked at Metropolitan hospital earning $1. An hour filling and delivering trays of food to patients.

Diane married James Larkin, and raised her children to see them also marry and have children of their own. While raising her children, she enjoyed many hobbies including china painting, knitting, quilting, crocheting, gardening and baking for her family and neighbors. During this time she also worked as a bus driver for Livonia Schools for 28 years.

Later in life, Diane met Al Cowart.  They enjoyed 28 years of marriage.  They went to clown school together and entertained at grandchildren's parties and events. Traveled to California and Wisconsin to visit family and friends.  Being a skilled seamstress, Diane made her own clown costume, an Easter bunny costume and a witch costume used to entertain family and neighborhood children. They found ways to go to each side for holidays and went to every birthday, game, wedding and graduation.

Diane was predeceased by; her husband Al Cowart, her parents Arthur and Dorothy Childs, her brother Arthur Childs and sister Sandra Morris. Her son Arthur Larkin and son in law Mark Rachfal.

Please share a memory of Diane on her tribute wall