Colette Gillette

Passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016 at Upjohn Community Care & Rehabilitation Center in Kalamazoo after a lingering illness at the age of 85. Surviving to cherish her memory is her sister, Suellen Fetterly; her children, Charles M. (Erma) Swanson, Ronda (Kirk) Ralston and Kathy R. Swanson; her step-children, Gloria (David) Badiner, Kevin (Kathy) Gillette, Lori (Victor) Crapo & Martin Gillette; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Helen Barnes; her sister, Kennetha L. Barnes; a step-daughter, Karen Gillette and the late “love of her life” Clyde W. Gillette. Colette was a devoted mother, an avid baker and a “get-in-the-dirt” gardener who enjoyed reading mysteries, knitting, crocheting, and jewelry beading. She was a strong, spiritual woman who worshiped a deep faith in God. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all the wonderful staff who cared for her at Upjohn Community Care & Rehabilitation Center – East Wing. Cremation has taken place. Private committal services will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A memorial reception will take place from 11 AM-1 PM at the Heritage Community, 2400 Portage Street; Kalamazoo. Please visit Colette’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook. In lieu of flowers, donations in Colette’s name can be directed to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900