Virginia Lee Babas

Virginia Lee (Williams) Babas of Battle Creek went to be with her Lord and savior Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at the age of 93. She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on August 8, 1927, the daughter of Harvey Douglas Williams and Dorothy Irene (Payne) Williams. She was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. As a young woman Virginia worked at Weston Biscuit Co., Michigan Metal Products Co., Duplex Printing Press Co. and the Kellogg Co., however most of her working career was with Post Cereals (General Foods) where she worked for fifteen years before taking an early retirement in 1968. Virginia was united in marriage to Donald Gus Babas on February 7, 1949; sadly he preceded her in death on August 2, 2004. Virginia was all about her family, she could tell you detailed stories not only of her own family and childhood, but also that of her Mother and Fathers. She had a sharp mind and great memory; she knew the names and family members of all eleven of her father's siblings as well as all seven of her mother's siblings. She was just one who deeply loved her family and paid close attention when her parents shared their own family history, stories and life experiences. She was a loving and devoted wife and Mother of 4, grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 17 and great-great-grandmother of 7. Virginia was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and attended several churches over the years including, Garrison Hills Wesleyan Church, Dexter Lake Church of God, First Wesleyan Church, and before her health declined the Overflow Church in Bedford Township. She was a gifted and very creative woman whether it was cooking, baking, decorating or crafts. Being an excellent cook, she was the Paula Deen of our family. She loved and enjoyed all types of crafts. She was a skillful artist in painting ceramic figurines, beautiful chinaware and china dolls which were among the most notable of her creations, she even hand sewed the clothes for the dolls. In her retirement years she and her husband Don enjoyed their winter home in North Fort Myers, Florida where they made many new friends, attended church and Virginia continued painting her chinaware and china dolls in Florida as well. Virginia was a meticulous house keeper and enjoyed keeping her home neat, clean and tastefully decorated. She made her home available for numerous family gatherings over the years, especially the many Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter family dinners and get-togethers as well as graduation open house picnics for her grandchildren. Her family has wonderful memories of these countless family events that she hosted. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Jennifer Lee Babas in 2018; brother, James R. "Jim" Williams and his wife, Ardis M. Skaggs-Williams in 2018; granddaughters, Christy L. Wesley in 2012 and Crystal G. Babas in 2016; grandson, Robert Todd Wesley in 2019; sisters-in-la, Luella M. (Pitman) Williams in 2014 and Patricia A. (Babas) Hogan in 2019; brothers-in-law, Richard P. Babas in 2006 and Richard F. Hogan in 2007; sons-in-law, Jack S. Gardner and Thomas H. Garnett in 2010. Surviving are her daughters, Sharon I. Gardner and Lueann M. (Bruce) Skaggs, son, Donald P. (Dora) Babas; daughter-in-law, Debra W. Babas; brother, Charley F. Williams; sister, Mary L. (Harold) Rhoades; grandchildren, Deanna M. Gibson, Michelle R. Skaggs, Mathew D. (Stacy) Skaggs, Donald R. (Kelly) Babas, and Angela M. (Dan) Bell; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a memorial gathering for the immediate family will take place at a later date. Virginia will be interred next to her husband at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Virginia's memory to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org