Ruth Diane Gage, affectionately known as "Diane" by all who loved and knew her, was born on November 26, 1946, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Mozelle and Willie Gage. She peacefully departed this life on June 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, love, and devotion to family and church.

Diane was the youngest of four daughters born to Mozelle and Willie. In 1951, she relocated with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, where she established lifelong roots and became a beloved member of her community.

At the tender age of eight, Diane accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church by the late Rev. C. W. Alexander. She remained a faithful and dedicated member of Greater Friendship for an extraordinary 74 years. Throughout her many years of membership, Diane faithfully served in various ministries and remained committed to the mission and fellowship of her church family.

Blessed with the voice of an angel, Diane was a loyal and devoted member of the Greater Friendship Voices of Praise Mass Choir for 43 years. Her love for music extended throughout Greater Cleveland, where she shared her gift through her participation with several community choirs, including the Inspirational Voices of Peace, Ralph Skipper and the Lamar Singers, Elder Paul Carrington and the New World Voices of Love.

Diane was also a vibrant participant at Eliza Bryant Adult Day Center for more than ten years, where she truly became the life of the center. Her joyful spirit, infectious smile, and genuine love for others brightened the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Diane received her education through the Cleveland Public School System and was employed for a period of time with Vocational Guidance Services. However, her greatest work was demonstrated through the love, care, and compassion she freely gave to her family, friends, and community.

Diane cherished her family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved, especially her only son. Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, grace, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mozelle and Willie Gage; her half-sister, Edna Gage Wilson; her brother-in-law, John Evans, Sr.; and her great-niece, Aisha Evans.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted son, Darnell Lee Gage, Sunday Gage, daughter-in-law; two grandchildren, Dayija Harshaw and Darnae Phillips; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clarice Rucker (Reginald, Sr.) and Jerilene

Evans; three nieces, Denise Burton (Ed) and Jeanette Rucker of Chicago, Illinois and Jasmine Rucker; two nephews, John Evans, Jr. and Reginald Rucker, Jr.; great-nieces, Jayla Burton, Simaya Burton, Jaiyah Evans, Azylah Cartwright and Lauren Rucker; great-nephews, Joshua Burton, Reginald Rucker III, and Bryce Rucker; special friend, Daryl Brown, and a host of extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Though Diane's physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23