Joan R. (Robbins) Creekmur

Joan R. (Robbins) Creekmur, 89 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Centrica Glenn Arbor Place Hospice.

Joan was born January 1, 1933 in Louellen, (Harlan County) Kentucky to Mallalu C. and Elizabeth L. (Stickley) Robbins. Joan grew up in Louellen, a coal mining camp, where her father was a coal mining engineer. She graduated from Harlan High School in 1951. In 1956, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics from Western Kentucky State College (now University). While attending an English class, she met the love of her life, Harold Creekmur. Asa Joan Robbins was united in marriage to Harold on December 27, 1954 at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Kentucky, spending the next 68 joyful years at each others side. In 1956, they came to Battle Creek to teach at Pennfield Schools. Joan taught at Pennfield-Court, a 2 room school house on North Avenue, and then elementary classes at the Pennfield Central Building. She also spent time helping children at Altrusa School. Joan volunteered at the school library as a room mother, and at Kimball House Museum. Additionally, she was a Girl Scout leader for troop 354.

Surviving are Harold, her husband; their children, Laura Cable of Battle Creek, Lisa Clair of Tampa, FL, Layne (William) Ticknor of Battle Creek, Brent Creekmur of Fenton, MI; grandchildren, Linley (Ryan) Combs, Travis (Katlyn) Cable, Morgyn (Eric) Tucker, McKenzie Clair; Renee (Trent) Larm; and great-grandchildren, Ryley Combs, Leighton Combs, Bennett Cable, Brooks Cable, Avery Tucker, Lena Larm, and Keira Larm. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Lou Robbins.

Joan was a member of First United Methodist Church since 1958. She was a member of the Martha Circle; participated in numerous church classes and assisted in the preparation of many church meals. A particular favorite memory for Joan and her children was decorating the church at Christmas. Joan used her education in Home Economics to care for and feed her family, along with anyone who walked through her door. No one left hungry in her home and was fed immediately (whether they wanted to eat, or not). Joan had a strong sense of humor, and continuously made her family laugh with her quick wit, and non-stop 'one liners'. She spent many hours at Pennfield schools, rarely missing a sporting event her children and grandchildren participated in. She enjoyed many family vacations 'down south', with Kentucky holding a special place in her heart. Later in life, she developed a love for the Detroit Tigers and all things Michigan State University. Joan will be remembered as an incredibly kind and selfless person, who always put others first. She will be missed daily. 'Love you more, mom'.

A family committal service to celebrate Joan's life was officiated by Rev. James L. Sparks at Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield Township 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2022.

The family would like to thank the exceptional nurses and Dr. Vijay at Bronson Battle Creek; and the caring staff at Glenn Arbor Place Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Glenn Arbor Place Hospice.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the Family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.