Catherine S. Thorp

Catherine S. Thorp Bellevue Catherine Sarah Thorp, 73, of Bellevue died February 1, 2009 in Kalamazoo. She was born July 28, 1935, the daughter of Daniel M. and Neva (Schragg) Keeler in Battle Creek. Catherine worked in farming and also for the GHS Guitar String Company in Battle Creek as an inspector for 25 years, retiring in 1998. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (James) Carpenter of Battle Creek; brother, Martin (Carol) Keeler of Lansing; grandchildren, Ronald (Jennifer) Carpenter of Bellevue, Mark (Brandy) Carpenter, Chris Carpenter, Jamie (Solomon) Rameriz and Raymond Carpenter, all of Battle Creek; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Catherine loved farming and Big Red her Texas Longhorn. She also enjoyed gardening, especially flowers and canning the vegetables she grew. She was a member of the Polled Hereford Association. She also enjoyed doing word searches and crossword puzzles. The family will receive friends from 12 until 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2009 at Pleasantview Family Church where services will take place Friday at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. Interment at Hicks Cemetery. Memorial donations may go to Pleasantview Family Church or a charity of one's choice. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue. www.shawfuneralhome.com