http://www.thebattlecreekshopper.com BATTLE CREEK SHOPPER NEWS Thursday, October 17, 2024 17
Judy Ann
Bishop, 88, of
Battle Creek,
passed into
the glory of
her Savior’s
Kingdom on
Wednesday,
October 9, 2024,
at home with
her family by
her side. Judy
was born July 30, 1936, in Lansing, to
Kenneth and Nina (Hutson) Phillips. At
age 18, she married Herbert Bishop Jr.
of Battle Creek, and from that marriage
four children were added, whom she
cared for deeply.
In 1963, the family farm they pur-
chased was struck by lightning and
burned down. For a short time while
rebuilding the farm, the family of six
lived in their small 1,000 sq. ft. fam-
ily lake house on Lee Lake while Herb
rebuilt the family farm. Judy began
working a six-hour shift at the Kellogg
company, working there 16 years, to
help rebuild the home. In 1965 the fam-
ily moved into their new home on the
family farm where Judy lived out her
remaining years.
Judy volunteered many years at the
Christian Athletic Camp for Christian
youth where she loved those who
attended. Judy was a part of the quilt
group at Baseline Church, and she
chaperoned the youth, building life-
long friendships. She volunteered at
Community Hospital Auxiliary. Herb
and Judy also attended North Avenue
Church of God, enjoying Bible stud-
ies and friendships with the
retirees’ breakfast club. Judy
had many interests, includ-
ing the farm animals and
pets, gardening and canning,
bowling with her Kellogg
lady friends, and traveling in
the motorhome with Herb.
She also enjoyed watchingsports, especially the Detroit Tigers and
the Michigan State Spartans. More than
anything else, Judy treasured spending
time with her children and grandchil-
dren, and family gatherings. If there was
an event that involved a family mem-
ber, she was sure to attend. Judy was
a Christian woman, comfortable with
and confident in her relationship with
God through Jesus Christ. She showed
unconditional acceptance and love to
everyone she met.
Judy is survived by her children,
Mike (Laura) Bishop, Monty Bishop,
Herb (Diane) Bishop, and Laura (Kipp)
Wachman; 12 grandchildren; 29
great-grandchildren; two great-great-
g,randchildren; two sisters-in-law Leona
Case and Thelma Marshall.
She was preceded in death by her
husband, Herb Bishop; her parents,
Charles and Nina Randall, and Kenneth
and Helen Phillips; her brother Chuck
Randall; two step-brothers, Terry and
Corkey; and a great-granddaughter,
Jubilee.
.At the request of the family, they
received friends on Tuesday, October
15, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Farley
Estes Dowdle Funeral Home &
Cremation Care. Funeral services to
celebrate Judy’s life were held 11 a.m.,
Wednesday, October 16, at Baseline
Church. Entombment followed after at
Memorial Park Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial con-
tributions are asked to consider Baseline
Church.
Personal messages for the family may
be placed at http://www.farleyestesdowdle.
com.BATTLE
CREEK
BATTLE
Obituaries CREEK
— ELDER LAW —- Legal advice & counseling regarding long term care.
- Protecting your home and assets.
- Advice for your financial and/or medical condition.
- Benefits available to you including Medicaid & veterans.
— PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING — - Wills and trusts
- Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Finances
- Pre and post nuptial agreements
Stacey Lott • Planning for blended and non-traditional families
Attorney at Law
269-963-8222 • http://www.staceylottlaw.com
130 East Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015
Nancy J.
Barlond, 85,
passed away
peacefully on
Saturday, Oct.
5, 2024. She
was born Jan.
29, 1939, in
Bronson, Mich.,
to Harold and
Nina (Nutt)
Mast.
She graduated from Battle Creek
Central High School in 1957. Nancy
married the love of her life, Kenneth
Barlond, on Jan. 18, 1958.
Nancy was an excellent seamstress,
loved the outdoors, gardening and bak-
ing. She looked forward to watching
the sandhill cranes that came every
year to her home in Bellevue to raise
their chicks. Nancy volunteered for the
American Red Cross for many years and
worked for the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal
Center in administration for some time.
She was the best mom ever; her whole
life revolved around her family.
She is survived by her husband of 65
years, Kenneth Barlond; daughter Diane
Wright; sons Andrew Barlond, Sr. and
Kenneth Corey “KC” Barlond; five grand-
children; five great-grandchildren; and
many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
parents, Harold and Nina, and three
brothers.
A private family graveside will take
place. Burial will be held at Kalamo
Cemetery in Kalamo Township, Mich.
In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family has
asked donations be sent in memory of
her to the Bernard Baker Bird Sanctuary,
located at 21145 15-Mile Road,
Bellevue, MI 49021. The sanctuary is
dedicated to the conservation of sandhill
cranes.
Arrangements by Bachman Hebble
Funeral Service, (269) 965-5145/www.
bachmanhebble.com.Sharon K.
Leister, 76, of
Battle Creek,
passed away
peacefully on
Monday, Oct.
7, 2024, at
Heritage
Assisted Living
in Battle Creek.
She was
born in Battle Creek on Nov. 6, 1947,
the daughter of James and Margaret
(Groesbeck) Leister, and graduated from
Lakeview High School. Sharon worked
at Shane’s Ladies Apparel and then
worked many years in dentistry for Dr.
Earl Gaball and Dr. Robert Nicola.
Sharon is survived by her children,
Tim (Marianne) Hayes of Glenview, Ill.,
and Katie (Chris) Richardson of Battle
Creek; four grandchildren, Benjamin
and Olive Hayes, Brandon and Jacob
Richardson; her beloved dog, Heinz; her
uncle, Cecil (Sheri) Leister of Texas; and
several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
parents and her aunt, Thelma “Polly”Schrontz.
Sharon was formerly a member of
First Congregational Church in Battle
Creek and was an active member of the
First United Methodist Church in Battle
Creek, where she loved volunteering for
many years. Sharon was a devoted ani-
mal lover and enjoyed needlework and
all types of crafting, watching Hallmark
movies, cooking, baking and spend-
ing time with her family, especially her
grandchildren.
A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be
held at noon, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at
First United Methodist Church of Battle
Creek, 111 E. Michigan Ave., Battle
Creek, MI 49014, with a luncheon to
follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider
making donations to the Humane
Society of South Central Michigan, 2500
Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015.
Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle
Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle
Creek. Personal messages for the fam-
ily may be placed at http://www.farleyestes-
dowdle.com.