Barbara Jean (Knoblock) Gilmore

Barbara Jean (Knoblock) Gilmore, 87, of Battle Creek died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, November 8, 2017.

Barb was born August 24, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Caryl and Reda (Simon) Knoblock. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1948 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Barb retired in 1992 after 28 years as a secretary at Beadle Lake Elementary for Harper Creek Schools.

Barbara Jean Knoblock was united in marriage to Bernard Paul "Bernie" Gilmore on February 4, 1950 at First Congregational Church in Battle Creek. Sadly Barb was preceded in death by Bernie, her husband of 53 years on December 27, 2003. Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Hanger of Battle Creek; two sons, David (Michelle) Gilmore of San Marcos, CA, Michael Gilmore of Battle Creek; eight grandchildren, Nicole Gilmore, Sean Gilmore, Michaela Gilmore, Craig (Rebecca Bates) Hanger, Chad Hanger, Bryan Gilmore, Kellen (Brianna) Gilmore, Eric (Christine) Gilmore; six great-grandchildren, DeLoss Hanger, Broderick Hanger, Grady Gilmore, Keaton Gilmore, Maggie Gilmore, Averie Gilmore; three sisters, Kay (Jake) Seitler, Linda (Paul) Garrett and Carol Ann Wilcox all of Battle Creek; and nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband, Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Gary Hanger on May 5, 2010;

Barb was a member of Birchwood United Methodist Church and several area businesswoman organizations. She enjoyed volunteering at the hospital. She was a 37 year member and Past Worthy Matron of Battle Creek Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Bedford OES. Barb enjoyed vacationing and traveling with Bernie, including trips to Texas, Hawaii, and California to visit their family. She also enjoyed baking with her grandchildren. Barb and Bernie moved to their beloved home on Beadle Lake in 1963, where they spent many happy years together. Barb enjoyed swimming, water aerobics, and animals, (especially cats). More than anything she loved spending time with her family who affectionately called her "GG" and "Gram Cracker".
Friends will be received 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Barb's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017. Committal and interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in memory of Barb may be made to Birchwood United Methodist Church, Glen Arbor Hospice or a charity of one's choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.