Kathleen Rita (Wallace) Harris

Kathleen Rita (Wallace) Harris, 85, of Battle Creek died peacefully, with family at her side, at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility on Thursday, October 15, 2020.

Kathleen was born July 19, 1935 in Jackson, Michigan to Harold and Erma (Bunker) Wallace. She grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1953. Kathleen was employed briefly at the Ralston Purina Company before deciding to stay home and raise her children. Upon her return to the workforce, she worked for the Pennfield School District for several years as the Head of the kitchen in the Central Building. She then worked in the Accounting Department at Federal Home Life Insurance Company, retiring in 1987. After retirement, Kathleen was employed part time in the pharmacy at Walmart.

Kathleen was formerly married to Dean Edwin Harris Sr. Surviving are their children, Dean Edwin Harris Jr, Kelly (David) Brophy and Karen (Robert) Jones all of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a great-granddaughter on the way; a sister, Janet Burke of San Marcus, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Kathleen was preceded in death by an infant brother, Bruce Harold Wallace; her parents; two sisters, Betty Wallet and Shirley Dukeman; a daughter, Krystal R. "Krystie" Davis and a grandson, Brandon T. Harris.

Kathleen's life was all about being with her family and friends. She was always willing to cook for anyone who would drop in no matter what time of the day or night and her door was always open for visits. When making chocolate chip cookies, which was often, she quadrupled the recipe to have enough to feed the neighbor kids. She enjoyed baking, flower gardening, reading, knitting, crafts and painting. Kathleen resided at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility the past four years. While there, she loved joining in on the resident activities, bingo, lunch outings, shopping trips and field trips were some of her favorites. She loved her fellow residents, nurse's aides and staff and they respected and loved her as well. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and loyal friend.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020. The public is invited, masks are required and everyone is asked to maintain social distancing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calhoun County Medical Care Facility for resident activities. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.