Louise Elizabeth "Lulu" (Darkey) Walbridge

Louise Elizabeth (Darkey) "LuLu" Walbridge of Gull Lake (Augusta), MI,


Louise, age 83 and affectionately known as "LuLu," died Wednesday afternoon, January 20, 2016, at the Amber Way Heritage Community, Kalamazoo. Her loving family was by her side.

The daughter of Karl and Louise (Watts) Darkey, Louise was born in Akron, OH on February 10, 1932. She was a 1950 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, received her Teaching Degree from Western Michigan University, and was the first Home Economics teacher at Harper Creek High School of Battle Creek. She was an active member of the Yorkville Community Church of Richland and dedicated her life to God and country. She enjoyed dancing with her husband at the Bayview, knitting, her ceramic angel collection, and traveling the country, but her true passion was spending time with her grandchildren.
Louise was united in marriage to Donald Joseph Walbridge in Battle Creek on April 2, 1955. Surviving is her husband of 60 years, Don; three sons Randy A. (Liz) Walbridge of Richland, Jay (Stephanie) Walbridge of Hickory Corners, MI, and Ken D. (Kelly) Walbridge of Gainesville, TX; her foster son, Michael (Dawn) Isherwood of Dumfries, VA; ten precious grandchildren (Lauren (Ethan), Evan (Chelsea), Joseph, Jacob, Anna, Christina, Haley, Justin, Nicole, and Bryan); and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she kept in constant touch. Lulu was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Ron G., and four brothers Robert, Kermit, James, and Richard Darkey.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Louise's life will be held on Monday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 with the Rev. Shawn L. Raifsnider, Pastor, officiating. Family and friends will continue to celebrate her life with fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the service in the church's Social Hall. Louise's family will greet friends on Sunday, January 24 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Yorkville Community Church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Per her request, memorial contributions in Lulu's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, 11775 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 or to the Yorkville Community Church. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Louise's family with her arrangements.