Lorena Ann (Bakalar) Mell

Lorena "Ann" (Bakalar) Mell, 89, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Ann was born April 5, 1933 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Thomas and Margaret Bakalar. She grew up in Ft. Wayne as the youngest of nine children and was lovingly referred to as "Baby Ann." She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School, where she also met Ronald Mell. Ann and Ron were united in marriage in 1950 and together, they raised four children. In their 62 years together, they enjoyed time with family and friends at their home and lake house. They loved to travel far and near. Ann loved to garden, paint, sew, and spend time with her grandchildren. She was also very involved with her church as a secretary at St. Paul Lutheran Church and a member of the Sweet Adelines and sang in the Church Choir.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Sherry (Ron) Anderson and Sandy (Michael) Niemiera; son, Ricky (Joy) Mell; grandchildren, Tenicka Kingsley, Ricque Pekara, Taryn Vitale, Kristen Valerugo, Joshua Niemiera, Brandon Mell, Nicholas Mell, Lucas Mell, Benjamin Mell, Bobby Gates and Thomas James "TJ" Gates; sister, Norma Custard; and Patches, her beloved cat. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; son, Thomas; grandson, Quinten and seven siblings.

A private burial will be held for Ann with a public celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elara Hospice Foundation (4646 Campus Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49008) or Lakeview Assisted Living Employees Fund (14661 Helmer Rd. S. Battle Creek, MI 49015). Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care is assisting Ann's family. Personal messages and memories may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.