Diane M. Soper

Celebration of Diane Marie (Falldorf) Soper’s life

Diane was born on March 4th, 1957, to Detrick and Freda Falldorf, the first of 4 children and she truly filled the role of big sister. She became the best bedtime story teller, making up characters and plots as she went. She enjoyed raising rabbits and aquariums full of fish. She had a talent for technology early on, taking apart radios and using the speakers and parts, wiring her own system to broadcast stories to other rooms.

She graduated from Twin Valley South school and Montgomery County Joint Vocational School as an architectural and mechanical draftsman. She later put these skills into practice as she became a skilled carpenter, woodworker and craftsman. She began her woodworking business that she named Sistermaide Woodworks, custom designing and building kitchen cabinetry, professional art bases, lathe work and crafts. Her husband Gary assisted her with her business at weekend festivals selling scroll saw cut photo puzzles and wooden crafts. She found her niche in the wool and spinning accessory category, custom making crochet hooks and knitting needles. Oh how she loved to work with wood.

Diane’s children, Jeff and Gina, were the highlights of her life. The children grew with delightful made up stories that only Diane could craft. They blessed her with grandchildren who loved to be entertained with their grandma’s simple, older fashioned activities, like learning to use a treadle sewing machine or putting together scraps of wood to make some creation. She lovingly has cradled her great grandchildren in her arms as well.

Diane worked at Belden in Richmond for a number of years, then later turned to school bus driving so that she could better run her woodworking shop. Though she drove for several schools, she finished her career at Preble Shawnee and truly cherished every student that graced her bus, they were an important second family to her.

Though Diane succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis on Nov. 22, 2025, her faith in our Saviour never waivered. She shared her faith with everyone she came in contact with, proclaiming His love and strength in her weakness. She prayed that her journey, sustained by her hope in Christ, will draw all who knew her to the strength and love that carried her.

Diane is survived by her parents Detrick and Freda (Shiverdecker) Falldorf, by her husband of 31 years, Gary Soper, and by her children Jeff Allen and Gina Allen Black, grandchildren Shiya (Chancey) Pipenger, Serenity Scruggs, Brook and Blake Black, great grandchildren Paisley and Hunter Pipenger, Siblings Terry (Sharyl) Falldorf, Curtis (Kristi) Falldorf, and Sharon (Elwood) Bowers and countless nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

There will be an informal celebration of life on Friday, December 12 at I Am The Word Ministries located at 12248 St. Rt. 503, Middletown (in West Elkton), Ohio. Visiting and sharing memories will be from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm, finishing with a short memorial service from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, casual attire is preferred.

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