Audrey Jean Bellow Obituary (1925 - 2010)

Audrey Jean Bellows passed away peacefully on March 25, 2010 at her home in Cottonwood, Arizona. Born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on May 3, 1925, she was preceded in death by her parents, Van and Thelma Webster, her eldest son, John W. Bellows, and grandson, Tyson VanHoster. She is survived by her husband Harry Bellows of Eaton Rapids; sisters, Patricia Miller (Kenneth), of Bradenton Florida, and Jacqueline Yund (Gaylord), of Eaton Rapids, daughter Jenny Bellows of Cottonwood, Arizona, and son H. Greg Bellows (Elaine), of Eaton Rapids. She is also survived by grand children Benjamin Bellows (Nichole), Joshua Barrett (Amy), Nathan Bellows (Melissa), Abigail Childs (William), Jason Barrett (Barbra), Andrew Bellows, Amy Ellyson, Eli Hoster, and Kim Hoster. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Having grown up and completing school in Eaton Rapids, class of 1943, Audrey attended Western Michigan College before marriage. As a young woman she worked at Horner Woolen Mills, and as a receptionist for Dr. Bert Van Ark. On December 18, 1948, she married Harry Bellows and continued her life as mother and wife as they raised their family on the farm that remains in the family. The day her youngest child started school, Audrey started her career with the State of Michigan Highway Department, in September 1956. It was the heyday of building big bridges (Mackinaw), and interstate highway system. She enjoyed her work and the lifelong friends. Retiring in 1983, her attentions turned more to family and especially grandchildren. Her efforts will be long remembered in the form of hand stitched quilts given to all her children and grandchildren, the many card games, and fun times at the family farm, as well as winter vacations to her retirement home in Florida. In the Spring of 1999, Audrey moved to Cottonwood, Arizona to live near her daughter and to enjoy the great Southwest sun. There, she found new friends and feeling of community that enriched her life. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Community Christian Church in Eaton Rapids, Reverend Steven Klink officiating. Following the service, all are welcome to enjoy food and fellowship at the River Bend Restaurant. The family suggest memorial donations be given to your local Meals on Wheels, whose volunteer angels deliver hot meals to the elderly and disabled.