Becky Babbitt

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking as he did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him. Forever in the next. AMEN

An independent, strong, and courageous woman, Becky Babbitt was an inspiration to everyone she met. She wasn’t afraid to do things her own way, and she gave whatever she did her all. Becky was a devoted and loving mother who selflessly put the needs of her children ahead of her own throughout her entire life. She was more of a quiet and reserved person by nature, but when she was with people she felt comfortable with she enjoyed having a good time. Life was not without times of trial for Becky, but she faced whatever came her way head on while finding contentment along the way. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and loved ones will forever treasure.

The decade of the 1950s was a colorful time in American history when Elvis Presley took the music world by storm, James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen, and televisions were becoming part of our homes like never before. This was also the decade that saw major advancement in civil rights when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus and when we welcomed Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was just as this decade was getting started that Russell and Kathryn (Lewis) Root were looking forward to the birth of their third child as summer began to blossom in the city of Plainwell, Michigan, in 1951. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Becky Ann drew her first breath on June 26th. She was the youngest of three girls in her family and was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Sandy and Jeannie. Becky’s father worked for Rockwell while her mother was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a student at local schools including Plainwell High School.

After graduating with honors in 1969, Becky worked in a variety of positions in different factories in the area. She eventually ended up at Parker where she spent the bulk of her career before retiring after 32 years.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Becky’s introduction to the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Don Babbitt, and over time they fell in love. With a desire to establish a life together Becky and Don were married in 1970. Together they welcomed two children, Shannon and Shane, into their hearts and home. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Becky was forever grateful for the children they shared. Since she loved cats she always had cats around, and they were like additional members of the family. Becky enjoyed cooking, and everything she made was fantastic with her pasta salad and enchiladas being among her specialties. When her children were younger they went camping with her sister at times, but somehow they always managed to have rain to contend with!

Throughout her life Becky was a woman of many interests, and she maintained an active lifestyle for as long as she was able. During her younger years she bowled quite often, and she also liked going to the movies. At home Becky enjoyed keeping busy with crossword puzzles, and when listening to music she preferred classic rock. She was thrilled to become a grandmother, and as soon as grandchildren arrived spending time with them whenever she could became a favorite activity.

About four years ago Becky and her loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. She was able to manage it well for a time as it didn’t really affect her daily activities, but as time went by it prohibited her more and more. Becky had been homebound since last December.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Becky Babbitt lived a life of purpose surrounded by the ones she loved. She could have a sense of humor, although it took a lot to get her to laugh, and she often didn’t find most of what her son did to be funny. Becky could be strong willed at times, but her heart was always in the right place. Intelligent, organized, and hard working, Becky will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Becky Babbitt, of Plainwell, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at her home. Becky’s family includes her children: Shannon Bowns, Shane (Stephanie) Babbitt; grandchildren: Cory Polley, James Babbitt, Joey Gorton, Colt Risher, and Zachery Babbitt; siblings: Sandy Kennison and Jeannie Cunningham as well as several nieces and nephews. Becky was preceded in death by her sister, Sally. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Monday, February 23 from 1:00 to 2:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Becky’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book. Memorial donations can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.

So you’re a little bit older and a lot less bolder than you used to be

So you used to shake ‘em down

But now you stop and think about your dignity

So now sweet sixteen’s turned thirty one

You get to feelin’ weary when the workday’s done

Well, all you got to do is get up and into your kicks

If you’re a fix

Come back baby,

Rock and roll never forgets.