Katheryn Root

Katheryn B. Root was a very private, unassuming lady that enjoyed the comforts of a simple and honest lifestyle. Her quiet nature, however, did not overshadow her gentle sense of humor and she was pleasant company. Most importantly, Katheryn loved spending her time being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life joy.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting records and the first Miss America was crowned. But for most the people living in the small community of Otsego, Michigan, their lives centered around raising their families and earning a living. This was the life of Asa and Nellie (Galloway) Lewis. Asa was a bus driver in the area while Nellie worked in several different factories, and in the spring of 1922, the couple was expecting their second child. Daughter Katheryn was born on March 23, 1922, much to the delight of her parents. She was the second of three Lewis children.

When Katheryn was a young child, the family moved to Detroit where she attended high school and returned at age 18.. In 1939, she met the love of her life, Russell Root, and they were happily married on June 1, 1940, in Plainwell, Michigan. However, the war abroad was raging and Russell, like many young men of this time, went off to serve with the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II. Meanwhile, Katheryn kept busy caring for their first child, Sandra, who was born just before Russell went away to war. She was later followed by three sisters, Sally Jo, who was born in 1943, but tragically died as an infant, Jean and Becky. Upon Russell’s honorable discharge after the war, they bought a house on East Bridge Street in Plainwell, which they called home for the past 60 years.

A devoted mother, Katheryn stayed home with the girls and ran the house with a firm hand. She never drove, but was an excellent cook and did needlework, which she often gave as gifts to her family. Katheryn’s favorite holiday was Christmas, for this time of year represented an opportunity for all of her family to come together, whom she loved dearly. Her happiest moments in life were times spent with her family, especially her sister and mother who would visit her regularly until their passing. Although Katheryn was a quiet, low-key person, she enjoyed social gatherings with her close group of friends and often went to dances with her cousins. In her free time, Katheryn enjoyed the simple pleasures in life liked doing crossword puzzles and reading mystery novels. She and Russell had a trailer in Luther, Michigan, where they enjoyed getting away for a couple of weeks every winter. Katheryn’s life was not marked by glitz and glamour, but instead a stable and fulfilled commitment to the true bounties of life.

Family was always at the center of Katheryn’s life and her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her a world of happiness. She deeply loved all of her family, and her face always beamed with a smile when she was in their company. A loving mother, wife and grandmother, Katheryn will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Katheryn B. Root of Plainwell, MI, died on Thursday, January 20, 2005, after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Corla Patton; brother, George Lewis; and her infant daughter, Sally Jo Root. Katheryn’s family includes her husband of 64 years, Russell Root; daughters: Becky Babbitt of Plainwell, Sandra Kennison of Gobles, and Jean Cunningham of Allegan; grandchildren: Robert Harps and Dale Harps, Russell and Cassie Keech and Shelley Keech, Shane Babbitt, and Shannon Polley; great-grandchildren: John Harps, Cory Polley, and James Babbitt.

To learn more about Katheryn’s life, friends may visit with her family at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell Chapel, from 12-2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24. A Life Story Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the same location. Please visit Katheryn’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Wings of Hope Hospice.