Obituaries
Raejean Carol Babcock
Raejean Carol Babcock, age 65, of Potterville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, June 2, 2023. She was born December 9, 1957, in Charlotte, the daughter of Harold and Shirley (Ross) Moon. Raejean graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1976. Raejean was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was a wonderful gardener and enjoyed spending time working in her flower gardens. Raejean enjoyed cooking and baking and always looked forward to baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren.
Raejean is survived by her daughter, Nicole (Matt) Sims; mother, Shirley Moon; grandchildren: Braxton Sims, Maci Martins, Trevor Babcock, Chloe (Tyler) Jackson; great grandchildren: Miller, Matthew, and Memphis Jackson; siblings: Linda Pfeiffer, Kim (Dan) Thornton, Colleen (Ted) Lampel, Vicki (Jimmy) Stigall, David (Karen) Moon; and ex-husband, Mike Babcock.
She was preceded in death by her father and son, Matt Babcock.
In keeping with Raejean’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Raejean’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. To view Raejean’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Kenneth Gene Kowalk
Kenneth Gene Kowalk of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 30, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born in Lansing, MI, December 9, 1944. Ken retired from GM in 2004 after 37 years, and was a master of all trades, including building houses and restoring cars. He was a member of the Falcon Club of America and the Fairlane Club of America.
Ken is survived by his wife, Dorothea Kowalk; son, Kenneth Kowalk of Waldorf, MD; siblings, Gretchen (Roy) Kunkel of Eaton Rapids, Brian Miller of Eaton Rapids, James (Carol) Miller of Eaton Rapids, Deborah Miller of Charlotte, Kurt Miller of Springport, Barrie (Stan) Latoski of Eaton Rapids, Yolanda Anicola of AL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Anicola and stepfather, Clare Miller.
Funeral services were held Tuesday June 6, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Burial of cremated remains with full Military Honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuvneral.com.
Richard Harrison Haddix
Richard Harrison Haddix was born on April 4, 1932, the fourth of nine children but the only son of Howard and Ethel Haddix in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He graduated from Lake Odessa in June 1950. As a young man he worked at the family-owned sawmill in Lake Odessa, where his passion for woodworking was ignited. During high school he met the love of his life, Gayle Root, and they were married on June 27, 1952. They went on to have three daughters, and again Richard was surrounded by all women. In August of 1952 he volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Richard took pride in being a Veteran. After his service he went to trade school in Memphis, Tennessee and became a Licensed Lumber Inspector. In 1955 he worked for Budgess Lumber Company in Grand Rapids as a Lumber Buyer, covering the states of Michigan, Northern Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. He later became an Independent Contractor prior to full retirement. Retirement allowed him to have time to do the many things he loved like: model railroading, painting and drawing, woodworking, carving, traveling, hunting and fishing.
Richard was blessed to have the ability to take his family on many trips. He and Gayle spent several winters in Tucson, Arizona and traveled to many states with their friends. In 1962 Richard gave his heart to the Lord. In 1969 he became an ordained minister and led a small church in the basement of their home in Lake Odessa. In 1978, he and his family joined a church in Charlotte and later moved to Charlotte in 1982. Where he has resided since. Richard will be remembered for his love of dogs especially his best friend Shep, and “Being a Picker,” his great sense of humor, loved to be the center of attention, and always being the comic. He loved to share stories about his past experiences and travels and even wrote a book about his life for his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gayle (Root) Haddix in March of 2006; parents, Howard and Ethel Haddix; sisters, Geraldine Eno, Virgilene Hiller, Adilene Eckman, Lorna Sherman, Sandra McCloud; brothers-in-law, Ross, Calvin, Roger, Don and Leonard. He is survived by his three daughters, Jeanie Bayly, Jeri (Bob) Leiby, Kim Dickinson; 13 grandchildren and many more great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends. Richard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Sensations Memory Care and of Elara Caring.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42, Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Brenda Joyce Pellegrino
Devoted mother and grandmother, Brenda Joyce (Magliochetti) Pellegrino, age 74, was reunited with her Heavenly Father on May 10, 2023. Brenda was born on January 9, 1949, to Armando and Mary Magliochetti in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the third of four daughters. She had fond memories of her childhood with her sisters and many cousins. She married Anthony Fredrick Pellegrino, Sr., and spent over 55 years together.
Brenda worked as a manager in multiple customer service positions as she had phenomenal leadership qualities. Dedicated to her family, she moved multiple times between Connecticut, Texas, and Michigan to be with family in their times of need and joy. Her greatest delights in life were spending time with her family, cooking diverse delicious meals, and taking care of others. She has provided great strength, loyalty, and love with her grandchildren, for which they have echoed immense gratitude. Being the matriarch of the family, she never feared to speak her mind to advocate for those she loved. She was a mother and confidant to many. She can be remembered for her warm, welcoming presence and her quick wit.
She is preceded in death by her loving, devoted father Armando; mother, Mary; her beloved sisters, Pamela Lowden, Patricia Anzollotti and Beverly Magliochetti; and son, Americo Pellegrino. She leaves behind earthside her children, Anthony Fredrick Jr., Armando Anthony, Mark Anthony, and Gina Marie Pellegrino. She will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren (known as Gigi), and extended family and friends. A private service was held by family.
Rev. Gerald William Gallaway
Rev. Gerald William Gallaway heard those precious words, “Well done good and faithful servant,” when he was called home to his eternal home on May 25, 2023.
Gerald was born on August 5, 1937, to Warren William and Lois Faroll Gallaway. He grew up in Leslie, Michigan where he attended a one-room schoolhouse until his 8th grade year when he went into the Leslie Public High School. Following high school, he attended Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana where he met the love of his life, Saundra Lou Gallaway, and received his bachelor’s degree in science with an endorsement of Seminary as well as his Master of Divinity. The two were married on August 5, 1961 and served in the United Brethren in Christ Church in Michigan for 36 years. They served at Casco UB/Chicora UB from 1965-1969 on a circuit in South Haven, MI; from 1969-1976 at Charlotte UB, now Crossroads Church in Charlotte, MI; from 1976-1979 at Maple Hill UB, now Homefront Church in Grandville, MI; from 1979-1986 at West Windsor UB in Dimondale, MI; and from 1987-2002 at McCallum UB in Delton, Michigan where he retired.
Gerald enjoyed painting, woodworking and playing his guitar. Singing with his family and friends brought joy to his life, as well as seeing and playing with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family both in Michigan and Ohio. His after-retirement years were spent singing and playing at various nursing homes in Hastings, Delton, Galesburg, and Plainwell, as well as in church. Serving and loving God and people were the mission and joy of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Saundra; his three daughters, Kimberly, Melinda (Eric), and Jennifer (Shannon) of Delton, MI; and his sister, Kay Dekett (Gary) of Leslie, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Faroll Gallaway in 1970; his father, Warren William Gallaway 1994; his son-in-law, Steven Roy Parish in 2011; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Gerald had seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, one honorary grandson, many great-grandchildren and several foster children and foster great-grandchildren.
His life was life well lived serving his Savior Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday June 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church in Delton. The Family will receive friends and family on Friday evening, June 23, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at the McCallum UB Church, 5505 Otis Lake Road, Delton MI 49046. The family is requesting that all who attend both the visitation and service wear bright Hawaiian colors. In his years after retirement, Gerald found joy in the Hawaiian colors and also the music. Gerald’s ashes will be laid to rest at Brush Ridge Cemetery in Hope Township, Michigan in a private family gathering.
The family would like to thank Thornapple Manor and Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan for the wonderful care and treatment that Gerald received during his last days of his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Gerald’s name to the McCallum UB Church, Thornapple Manor, or Elara Hospice Care of West Michigan. Special thank you to Eric Brundage for making his beautiful urn. God is good all the time! Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gerald’s family.