Barbara Wilson

Barbara H. “Bobbie” Wilson, 94, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2017.  She was born in 1923 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Karl W. and Florence (Sheffers) Hooth.  Bobbie graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University, including post-graduate work at WMU.  She married Donald R. Wilson in April 1944 in Kalamazoo.   After his tour of duty in the European Theater in WWII, and graduation from Northwestern University in 1947, he began working at the Kellogg Company and the Wilson’s moved to Battle Creek. They raised three sons, Dave, Rick and Chip (James).  Dave is retired and lives in Havre, MT with his wife Pam.  Rick is retired and lives in Dearborn Heights, MI with his wife Lynn.  Chip died in an automobile accident in 1972. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband Don (2013), her parents Karl (1958) and Florence (1990) Hooth, and son Chip (1972).  She is survived by her sons Dave (Pam) and Rick (Lynn), 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Besides family, Bobbie had three passions in her life:  church, schools & community.  She has been a consummate worker and volunteer leader in all three areas.  She was organist, choir director, officer and fervent supporter in the church.  Her volunteer activities are too numerous to mention, but she was recognized for her achievements often, including Scene Magazine Woman of the Year-1988, Volunteer Bureau Outstanding Service Award , B.C. Enquirer George Award, Valparaiso University Honorary Alumni Award, and George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award from Governor Granholm.  Visitation will be at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, 703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI, 49015 on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 3-8pm.  A memorial service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 114 E Minges Rd., Battle Creek, MI, 49015 on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., followed by a buffet reception.  Cremation has taken place, according to her wishes. Memorials may be made in Bobbie’s name to St. Mark Lutheran Church, Leila Arboretum Society or Valparaiso University. www.henryfuneralhome.org