Catherine Crowell

Catherine Rose (Reed) (Shirley) Crowell, age 98, of Battle Creek and formerly of Athens, MI, passed away on December 20, 2021 at Lakeview Assisted Living.  She was born on August 12, 1923 in Cedar Springs, MI, the daughter of Howard and May (Schmidt) Reed.  Catherine was an only child and raised on the family farm.  She met her husband, Roland “R.H.” Shirley on a blind date, they were married for 43 years.  Roland preceded Catherine in death, and later she married Joseph Philip Crowell, he also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her stepson, David Crowell. Catherine graduated from Athens High School in 1941 and continued to live in Athens until 2015 when she moved to Battle Creek to make her residence at Heritage Assisted Living then later moving to Lakeview Assisted Living. Catherine graduated from Wright Beauty School and Argubright Business College.  She owned and operated her own beauty shop and later worked as a cashier/CRT Operator for Michigan Bell Telephone before retiring in 1980.  Catherine was an active member, Sunday school teacher, choir member and organist at Athens United Methodist Church for 60 years.   She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Naomi Chapter #59, Rotary Club, Library Board, and Campfire Leader.  Catherine also enjoyed playing the piano, crafting, sewing and quilting. She was honored as Michigan Center of Assisted Living’s Resident of the Year in 2018.  Surviving are her daughters; Suzanne (Michael) DeBoer of Battle Creek, Sandra Redmond of Scotts, MI, stepdaughter; Sheryl (Loren) Burlingame, grandchildren Jason C. Burgett, Vickie L. (Jon) Kinney, Jacquelyn S. (Darren) Bowers, Caitlin J. (Carlos Reyes) Redmond, and nine great grandchildren.  Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  For the safety of all attending the service, the family requests masks be worn.  Private inurnment will take place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens.  Following the service, the family invites friends to a luncheon at the funeral home where memories of Catherine can be shared.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Athens Historical Society, P.O.  Box 22, Athens, MI. 49011.  Envelopes available at the funeral home.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org