Phyllis Jane Babcock

Phyllis Jane (Keene) Babcock of Lake Ann passed away at the age of 96 on March 22, 2014 of natural causes. Phyillis was born in Scottville, MI. on July 9, 1917 to Karl S. and Mable I. (Pugh) Keene. The Keene family moved to Traverse City when Phyllis was a young girl. She excelled in school and graduated from Traverse City Central in 1934, at age 16, having skipped a grade. She attended Olivet for a short time in art design but left before graduation to marry Mark G. Babcock on November 5, 1938. they were married 64 years before his passing in 2002.

Phyllis became a homemaker of four homes from Michigan to S.C. to Florida and back to Lake Ann in her final years. She became a mother, in 1948 to Barbara and 1951 to Rick. In the 50's she was a "pink lady" for the childrens wing at Munson Hospital, as a volunteer. She loved Jesus Christ, His Word and loved her church in each hometown. Her faith was what brought her strength and hope to her for her family, friends and herself. She loved God's creation and as evident in her paintings and photography. She was proud to be an American and proud of America's flag of freedom. She was very involved in the L.A.U.M. Church Women group and Bible studies.She was a great baker of pies, especially apple, cherry and rhubarb. Her family and friends were her joy in life. Her mission in life was to love and care for them. She will be greatly missed.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Mark, her brother, Mac Keene, sister Doris(Keene)Martin, granddaughter, Connie Lin Green, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and nephews. She is survived by her son Rick and Mariel Babcock, Step grand-children, Jorge and Irianis all of Greenville, S.C., Granddaughter, Marci Babcock of San Diego, CA.,grandson Jason(Amber) Lewis, great grandchildren Lindsay and Jaxon Lewis of Dallas, TX.. Daughter Barbara and Ed Smith ,of Lake Ann,
granddaughter Laurie(Forest)Bauers and great grandson Uriah all of Hakalau,HI., granddaughter Cassie(Derrick) Vargo of Grand Rapids,MI.,sister,, Jeanne Baker, of Memphis, TN., and sister-in-law, Bette(Babcock) Fahrenholz of St. Anthony, MN., and many nieces and nephews
Memorials may be made in Phyllis' name to the Lake Ann United Methodist Women, Cherryland Humane Society, Alzheimer Assc. or charity of choice.

A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held at the Lake Ann United Methodist Church, Village Center on June 14, 2014 at 1:30 PM.