Carole Lee (Pugh) Colburn

Carol Lee (Pugh) Colburn of Battle Creek, MI

Carol, age 67, died Friday afternoon, August 12, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

Carol, the daughter of Myron E. and Mary E. (Miller) Pugh, was born in Battle Creek on October 17, 1948, was a lifetime area resident, 1966 graduate of Lakeview High School and member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She had been employed at Godde's Bakery, Toellers Department Store, TransAmerica Insurance Company, Clark Equipment, and retired in 1997 after 10 years with Kellogg's Company. Carol loved to shop for antiques and other collectibles, including old recipe books (which inspired a lot of experimentation in her kitchen). She enjoyed reading novels, working in her flower garden, long walks in nature, car rides on the back country roads, and spotting hot air balloons. She lived to care for others, especially feeding them, and was often the one planning and cooking (way too much) for family gatherings, so that she could sneak in and snap that photo of you with your mouth full. She was happiest spending time with friends and family, and always made those around her feel welcome.

Carol was united in marriage to Robert M. "Bob" Colburn in Battle Creek on August 14, 1971. Surviving is her husband of 45 years, Bob; two daughters, Heather L. Colburn and Sarah E. (Ben) Verus, both of Dowling, MI; three grandchildren, Eliot, Ian and Annie; and her sister, Debbie (Terry) Arnold of Fond du Lac, WI. Carol was preceded in death by her parents.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Carol's life will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, with the Rev. Pat J. Weatherwax, officiating. Carol's family will greet friends on Friday, August 19th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Final interment will be in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Battle Creek.

Memorial contributions in Carol's honor may be directed to the American Kidney Foundation, 1192 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852; the American Diabetes Association, 1550 East Beltline Road, SE, Suite 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or seriously consider becoming an organ donor by registering at www.organdonor.gov or visiting your Secretary of State's office.