Thelma Eileen (Everest) Bishop

Thelma Eileen Bishop, 96, of Battle Creek passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Evergreen Senior Care and Rehab Center.

Thelma was born on August 30, 1921 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the oldest daughter of George E. and Luella Everest. Thelma was a graduate of Lakeview High School and the MSU Home Economics Short Course. Thelma married Clair L. Bishop on August 1, 1942. He preceded her in death on July 26, 1977.

Thelma lived on 6 Mile Road, on the farm she shared with Clair, for sixty-one years. She was very proud of her farming heritage, being actively involved with dairy cows, beef cattle, crops and gardening. She provided for her family by selling produce on the farm and to local grocery stores, and by canning and preserving a great deal of vegetables and fruits every year. In addition, Thelma worked off the farm, being employed at a bakery in Battle Creek, the Federal Life Insurance Company for many years, and later at Witmark's and Sam's Club where she retired at the age of 89.

Thelma was a lifelong blood donor and a supporter of the VFW and Boys' Town. Thelma enjoyed yard sales and collecting dolls, clocks, and many other antiques. She had a love of nature and bird watching, and enjoyed the companionship of her dogs.

Thelma is survived by sons Clair Jr. "Lou" (Sally) of Athens, Marvin (Lynda) of Hart, Bernard (Beth) of Mayville, Dennis of Battle Creek, and daughter Helen Rose of Kodiak, Alaska, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Margaret Bishop, Beatrice Allison, Thelma Marshall, Judy Bishop and Leona Case, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Thelma was preceded in death by daughter Eileen Kline, sons -in-law Robert Kline and Eddie Rose, her parents, sister Beverly Lewis, and brother Harold Everest.

Friends will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, Michigan. Funeral Services will be officiated by Rev. Donald L. Mason 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Newbre Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or a charity of your choice.