Diane LaVerne (Doak) Hershman
November 2, 1950 – June 24, 2026
Diane Laverne (Doak) Hershman, age 75, a beloved resident of Belpre, peacefully entered her heavenly home on June 24, 2026 following complications from pancreatic cancer. She was a loving mother, cherished family member, faithful friend, devoted Christian, and dedicated servant to her community. Her life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, generosity, humility, and unwavering faith.
Born on November 2, 1950, Diane was the daughter of the late Alph Ford Doak and Hela Norine Dodds Porter. She was a 1968 graduate from Newcomerstown High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Valley College after retirement, where she focused on grant writing.
Diane dedicated more than 30 years of service to Verizon and its predecessors as a telephone operator and was a proud member of the Communications Workers of America Union. Retirement simply opened new doors for her servant’s heart. She enjoyed substitute teaching, volunteering throughout her community, and investing her time in organizations that enriched the lives of others.
For more than 20 years, Diane faithfully volunteered with Friends of Selby at Memorial Health System, contributing more than 3,244 hours of service. Whether assisting with fundraising events, working behind the scenes, or simply greeting others with her warm smile, Diane made everyone feel welcomed and valued. To her fellow volunteers, she was far more than a volunteer—she was family. She also devoted countless hours to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and many other charitable efforts that reflected her lifelong commitment to serving others.
Diane was an active leader in numerous civic and fraternal organizations. She proudly served as President of the Belpre Women’s Club, was a dedicated member of the Civitan Club, and faithfully served the Mount Moriah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in many leadership roles. She served as Chapter Secretary for several years, was appointed Grand Representative to Nebraska in 2018, served as Deputy Grand Matron from 2020–2021, and was District 25 President during 2024–2025.
She treasured the friendships she built throughout every season of her life. Her family, high school classmates, Verizon co-workers, Navy group, Eastern Star family, Friends of Selby volunteers, card-playing groups, church family at FRCR, George Street neighbors, and countless others were all blessed by her genuine love and encouragement. Diane possessed a remarkable gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen, appreciated, and loved.
Among Diane’s greatest joys were spending time with family and friends, attending or hosting family functions, traveling, reading, quilting, cooking fantastic meals, playing cards with friends, and visiting the beach, where she found peace in the beauty of the ocean. Her laughter was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her optimism unwavering.
Anyone who knew Diane will remember one of her favorite sayings: “It’ll be good.” More than a simple phrase, it was the way she lived. Even in difficult times, she remained steadfast in her faith and confident in God’s goodness. She believed the best in people, freely offered compliments, asked for little in return, and spent her life pouring into others. Her kindness was genuine, her compassion limitless, and her generosity knew no bounds.
To her family, Diane was the pillar who offered unconditional love, strength, wisdom, and encouragement. She was the kind of person everyone hopes to meet at least once in life—the embodiment of goodness, grace, and selfless love. She set the standard for what it means to live with integrity, humility, and a servant’s heart.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Hershman; her father, Alph Doak and stepmother Bernie “Bebe” Doak; her mother Hela Porter and stepfather Russ Porter; her daughter, Michelle Renee Waggoner, and her brother, Randy Porter.
She is lovingly survived by her sons, Josh Waggoner and Zach Waggoner; her stepdaughters, Michelle Hershman and Melissa Worst; grandsons Tony (Kayla) Worst and Brian Worst; great- granddaughter Abigail Worst; her brothers, Tom Doak (Lois), Eric Doak (Anne), Chris Doak (Johanna), and Alan Porter (Tam); her sisters, Kelly Moore (Larry) and Lisa Porter; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, and all whose lives were forever enriched by knowing her.
As her family reflects on her extraordinary life, they find comfort in knowing that the Lord welcomed home one of His most faithful servants. Diane leaves behind a legacy that will continue through every life she touched. Her example reminds us to love more deeply, serve more willingly, and believe more faithfully.
Though she will be deeply missed, Diane’s legacy of positivity, faith, love, service, and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering belief that “It’ll be good” will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Friendship Ridge Christian Fellowship, 4485 Braun Road, Belpre, Ohio 45714. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by the celebration service at 2:00 p.m. with David Ellenwood officiating. A meal and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Ridge Christian Fellowship, Friends of Selby, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Belpre Area Ministries, or another charitable organization that reflects Diane’s lifelong spirit of service.
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