Diane S. Halford

Diane Halford, 89, passed away on November 25, 2023, at Hiland Cottage Hospice House of Petoskey. Diane was born on July 8, 1934, in Grand Rapids, daughter of Donald and Tanya Roth.

When she was six years old, the family moved to the Detroit area, where she graduated from High School. She attended Hillsdale College before joining the Navy in 1953, where she worked in the Naval Hospital as a Hospital Corpsman. After serving the country for two years, she was honorably discharged and moved to Alton, IL, where she and her husband began their family. In 1970 the family relocated to Petoskey where they were drawn to the beauty of the area.

Diane began working for the Greyhound Bus Lines on Michigan Street as a ticket agent shortly after relocating. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, she bought out the agency and while the bus line continued, she began selling used books.  The business soared, and she began seeking a more accommodating location. When the gas station at 301 W. Mitchell Street closed, Diane purchased the property and opened the Bus Stop Book Shop. Greyhound and NorthStar continued to run, and the used book business flourished. She eventually added collectible books, used CD’s, and videos until she retired in 2013.

Coming from a musical family, Diane played the piano for most of her life. She was a gifted gardener, and her yard was well known at the corner of Kalamazoo and Grove streets.  The Petoskey News Review recognized the beauty of her garden stating that she “painted with flowers”. Diane loved to travel and visited many countries worldwide.

She is survived by her children; Denyse Colliatie of Colorado, Barbara Tri (Wayne) and Scott Halford of Petoskey; grandsons, Adam (Laura) Halford and Nicholas (Sam) Halford of Grand Rapids; granddaughter, Cassidy Tri of Petoskey; great-grandsons, Carson Halford and Zeke Halford of Grand Rapids. Her beloved dog, Ben, is now with her daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Wayne Tri.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Tanya Roth; two brothers, Donald Roth, Jr., and Michael Roth; and daughter, Carolyn Halford.