Laura Arlene (Bennett) Davis

Laura A. Davis, 91, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully, Friday, June 26, 2026, at StoryPoint Senior Living in Oshtemo, Michigan.

Laura was born April 14, 1935, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Paul C. and Daisy E. (Coston) Bennett. She was raised by her grandparents, Guy and Nellie Coston in Battle Creek and was a 1953 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Laura graduated in August of 1986 from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.

Laura Arlene Bennett was united in marriage to John Raymond Davis on August 7, 1955, in Battle Creek at Upton Avenue Methodist Church. Laura was preceded in death by her husband, John on September 27, 2022. Surviving are her son, Scott (Jeanne) Davis of Kalamazoo; daughter, Cindie (David) Welker of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Erin Davis, David (Liz) Welker, Jr., Jacob Davis (Ashley), Nicholas Welker ; five great-grandchildren, Kaiden Keiser, Connor Welker, Nicholas Welker, Jr. Liam Welker, Haley Welker; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.

Laura had three loves in her life, her community, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and her family. Her husband of 65 years shared in all those loves, supporting all of her many adventures and efforts wherever they led.

Laura was very active in the Battle Creek area community. She was a hard worker, encouraged others, was a positive influence and was a die-hard supporter of the entire community. Just a few of the local organizations she supported include the Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek Brass Band, the Kool Family Community Center, Cheff Center for the Handicapped, Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast, Charitable Union, Salvation Army, United Way of Greater Battle Creek, Downtown Battle Creek Association and countless others.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was Laura’s second home for a large portion of her life, growing as she did through three locations. The current building was her last great project, and an immense source of pride for her and her community. Laura thrived on growth at WKKF. There wasn’t anything she hesitated to take on…...and deliver. And with the help and guidance from mentors like the late Russ Mawby, she was a force there. She held many positions at WKKF retiring as Vice-President of Corporate Affairs. Just a few of the projects she contributed to were the relocation of the W.K. Kellogg House downtown Battle Creek, Restoration of the W.K. Kellogg Manor – Gull Lake, and restoration of the W.K. Kellogg house – Pomona, Ca.

Laura had many “families”. Besides the love of her life John, and her two children, she was always involved in her “church family”. Laura was a founding member of Birchwood United Methodist Church, which grew out of the Upton Avenue congregation. The number of pecan pies Laura baked for bazaars could probably stretch to the moon, she helped keep the choir on key, and filled in where ever help was needed. With her “Barbershop/Sweet Adeline family” she and John sang, helped with shows, tickets, afterglows, etc. Laura had other “families” too. The “Ritzee Rats” where coffee, good times, and a whole lot of other spirited conversation took place. Perhaps her favorite “family” was all the people she held dear from her very early years, to her last days, playing bridge with their lifelong friends “the Smith’s”, Gatzby parties with WKKF alumni, even talking “shoes” with the healthcare helper at her apartment.

Laura was a people person. Her late father-in-law had a saying she liked … after he had fixed some old thing he would say “It’s better than it was”.

Laura left things “better than it was”.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

Personal memories or messages for Laura’s family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.