Harriett Cairns Proefrock

Harriett Cairns (Babcock) Proefrock Harriett Cairns (Babcock) Proefrock died at her home on Tuesday August 18th after recently having been diagnosed with cancer. Harriett was born on July 24, 1925 the second daughter of Harry B. Babcock and Florence (Cairns) Babcock. She was born in Baltimore Township in her parents' home. Harriett attended Barney's Mill grade school and graduated from Hastings High School in 1942. Following graduation she began her office career with Kendall Electric in Battle Creek. She also worked at Sears, Roebuck & Co. and later worked as office manager at Cheney Limestone in Bellevue. Harriett was a life-long church worker and member first at South Maple Grove E.U.B. (later United Methodist), St. Paul's Lutheran (Battle Creek), then at Hope United Methodist Church (Hastings), and later at the Dowling Country Church Chapel. She also enjoyed working at Charlton Park where she was a volunteer for over 30 years. Harriett had specialized in wedding gowns. Her hobbies including quilting and genealogy research, her passion included cats, corgis and collies. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Florence; her infant sister, Alice; her husband, Donald; and her grandson, Sean Kidder. She is survived by her brother, Robert; her daughters, Suzanne Kidder and Rebecca Proefrock; her grandson, Stephen Morris; stepgrandsons, Joe and Todd Kidder; several great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Her niece, Christine Ayres, was her primary caregiver. Harriett's family will receive friends on Friday August 21 at Lauer Family Funeral Homes-Wren Chapel 1401 N. Broadway Hastings from 11:30 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m., with Reverend Richard D. Moore officiating. Private interment will follow at Dowling Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contribution may be directed to Barry County Humane Society or Barry County Hospice. Please share a memory with Harriett's family at www.lauerfh.com.