Melinda Jane Karker

Melinda Jane Karker, age 66, of Battle Creek passed away unexpectedly on Friday afternoon, May 3, 2019. She was born in Oscoda, Michigan on August 8, 1952 and worked as a dietary aide at many area nursing homes over the years, but her true passion was being a stay at home mom and grandma.

Melinda married Robert Lee Karker in Battle Creek on October 8, 1969; he sadly preceded her in death on May 18, 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra, Deborah, and Sharon Karker; her son, Robert Karker; five grandchildren, John, Sarah, Desiree, Jacob & Cheyenne; four great-grandchildren; and several brothers & sisters.

Melinda was a former member of the Temple Baptist Church where she served as the church treasurer. She enjoyed drinking coffee, cooking, crossword puzzles & word searches, collecting windchimes, and the smell of her favorite flowers, Lilacs. A true matriarch, family was everything to Melinda and she truly loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to celebrate Melinda's life will be held 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9th at the Fort Custer National Cemetery with Rev. James S. Codde, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Melinda may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.