Kathleen McDonald

Kathleen (Kathy) Ann McDonald, of Battle Creek Michigan, passed away Sunday October 13th, 2024 at the young age of 76. Kathy was born on May 23rd, 1948 to Jack and Donna (Williams) Gray. She was proceeded in death by her mother, Donna Gray, her grandson, Justin Madden, and her sister, Pat Simmons. 

 Kathy was born and raised in Battle Creek, attend Lakeview schools, and worked for Semco Energy. After 37 years of service, she retired. 

 She quietly battled cancer, radiation, heart surgery, hospital stays, and pneumonia as if these life altering debilitating circumstances were minor inconveniences. Her positivity was all she shared as she looked forward to the next fishing trip, craft show, holiday, or time with friends and family. No whining, no complaining, just ready to feel well enough for the things and people she loved. If you knew her, or met her even one time, you were lucky. 

 Kathy’s Family

 Kathy is survived by her dad, Jack (Donna) Gray, daughter, Stephanie (Kent) Kehler, son, Jeffrey (Francine) Madden, grandkids, Alexander Kehler, Eric Kehler, Courtney Kehler, Jack Madden, Amaryonna (Kenneth) Martinez, Aniyah Virgil, and great grandsons, Kayson Craig and Dominic Martinez. 

 Things Kathy Loved

 She loved her family, her three dogs, her friends, her little lake house, and creating wreaths for craft shows. She struck up conversations with strangers wherever she went and she petted every dog she saw. Even the ones with harnesses that said Do Not Pet. She couldn’t help herself. 

 She loved going to Jeff and Francine’s every Sunday for dinner, fishing, and yelling at the tv during football games. She loved going to Kentucky to spend time with Stephanie and Kent and she went on many family vacations with them. She loved going to North Point woods to see her dad and stepmom. She had a standing date with her dad to take him to Milkshake Monday.

 She loved having her whole family over to her little lake house for Christmas. It was never about the gifts (although they were always perfect and thoughtful) and it was never about the baking because Kathy only had an oven because it came with the house. It was about being together and laughing until your faces hurt. She made sure everyone was happy. 

 Her Wishes

 A social gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. Please consider donating to a dog shelter in her name. Or maybe consider adopting one of her dogs. Remember to pet a dog every time you see one. Except the ones that are wearing a harness that says Do Not Pet. Only Kathy could get away with that.