Nora Jean Kilby, 83 of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, December 05, 2011. She was born March 28, 1928 in Calhoun County, Michigan the daughter of James and Genevieve (Bristol) Dowding. Mrs. Kilby graduated from Marshall High School in 1945 and went on to become an elementary school teacher. She taught in the Battle Creek Public Schools for six years and retired in 1985 from the Marshall School district, where she had taught for nineteen years. Nora volunteered at the Kellogg Biological Station and enjoyed basketmaking. On June 19, 1963 she was married to William D. Kilby who preceded her in death on April 22, 2009. She was also preceded by her brother: Ken Dowding. Surviving is her son: Barry (Brenda) Kilby of Oakridge, TN; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Freda Peck and Melva Cook both of Marshall; brother: Clair Dowding of Homer and sister-in-law: Betty Dowding of Marshall. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service time. Private interment will be at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to Oaklawn Hospice or Gideon’s International.
