Barbara J. Lewallen

Barbara J. LewAllen, age 86, of Battle Creek went to be with her Lord & Savior on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2014. She was born in Kalamazoo County on November 23, 1927, the loving daughter of Leon and Grace (Pike) Drake. She attended Springfield High School and in 1977 earned her graduation certificate from Bellevue High School. Barb also earned two associate degrees from Kellogg Community College. Early in life she was employed at Weston Biscuit Company, Kellogg Company, then raised her family and later worked as a seamstress for Robinson's and Furman's in downtown Battle Creek.

Barbara Janet Drake was united in marriage to James Frank LewAllen on June 1, 1946 at the Salvation Army in Battle Creek. Surviving are Jim, her husband of 67 years; a son, James C. "Jim" LewAllen of Battle Creek; three daughters, Carol (Hassell) Clark of East Leroy, Karen (Ron) Spenelli of Battle Creek and Lori (Jack Rose) LewAllen of Schoolcraft; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Leona Herr of Texas, Mary Helstrom of Grand Rapids, MI; and two brothers, William Drake of Wyoming, MI and Leon Drake of Cincinnati, OH. Barb was preceded in death by a son, Dale Lee LewAllen; a grandson, Johnny Clark; four brothers, Elwin, Don, Reginald and Carl Drake; a sister, Iris Drake and two infant sisters.

A devout Christian, Barb loved Jesus and was a dedicated member of the Salvation Army most of her life. She was also a member of the P.N.A. and American Legion Post #298. Barb was an excellent seamstress and cake decorator. She liked to crochet and most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Barb played the organ and piano and enjoyed playing for residents at the B.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center and at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 4:00 & 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 23, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate her life will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2014. Interment will follow at Abscota Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Salvation Army. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.