Carole K. Delong

Carole K. DeLong, 81, of Hickory Corners went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 21, 2016. She was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on October 10, 1934, the daughter of Lloyd and Wanda Kehrer.

Carole graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI and Eastern Michigan University with a BA in elementary education. She taught in the Kalamazoo Public School system at Washington and Winchell Elementary. Her passion for serving young people continued in her roles as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, volunteer at the Kalamazoo Juvenile Home, and premarital mentor at Gracespring Bible Church. Many may remember Carole as a co-owner of the downtown business, The Calico Cupboard, a specialty craft store where she shared her love of quilting and knitting with women of the greater Kalamazoo community. Carole was an avid gardener and member of the Garden Council. Her gardens and beautiful floral arrangements were a sight to behold.

Carole enjoyed spending time with her husband of 50 years, Dick, traveling, gardening, hiking, attending U of M football games, as well as being big supporters of the arts in Kalamazoo. Together, they valued their time spent serving God in various Church ministries. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family and particularly enjoyed attending her grandchildren's musical concerts and tennis tournaments.

Carole was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dick, in 2008. She is survived by her two daughters, Deb (Larry) Bauss and Sharon (David) Klein; her grandchildren, Sarah (Seth) Raymond, Emily (Ryan) Bradstreet, Anna (Jonathan) Spoelhof, Andrew Klein, Elizabeth Bauss, and her great-granddaughter, Eliana Raymond. She is also survived by her sister, Joann Stahman of Chelsea, MI as well as six nieces.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 6:00-7:30 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). A memorial celebration will be held at Gracespring Bible Church, 8643 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083 at 2:00 on Saturday, April 30, 2016 to remember a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Living Hope, Myanmar, (1122 Edgemoor Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008) a non-profit orphan relief organization that Carole helped establish with her family. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Carole may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.