Benjamin Forbes Gillett

Benjamin Forbes Gillett, 86, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at Majestic Care on Tuesday, December 30. 2025.

Ben was born June 9, 1939, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Kenneth Ray and Letha Grace (Conklin) Gillett. He grew up in Kalamazoo and Comstock and was a 1959 graduate of Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan. In 1959, he began working with his father-in-law at Bartleson-Gillett Decorating. Ben’s career as a painter and paper hanger was well respected and appreciated by all his customers. In addition to just painting and papering, Ben went out of his way to do all the little things to keep his customers pleased. He retired and closed Gillett Decorating after over 40+ years in the painting industry.

Ben was formerly married to Sharon Le Bartelson, who survives. Ben married Jeree Lyn Caryl on July 25, 1992, at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek. Ben is survived by his wife, Jeree; children, Michael (Trecia) Gillett of Battle Creek, Ricky (Sue) Gillett of Battle Creek, Kevin (Patti) Gillett of Moncks Corner, SC, Lisa Kay Gillett of Battle Creek; stepchildren, Todd (Kathy) Wilson of Battle Creek, Marcal (Jim) Probst of Carmel, IN; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great great-daughter; and his sister Nancy Gillett of Kalamazoo. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Kenny, Howard and Allen Gillett.

Ben was a talented softball pitcher and played on the former Barney’s Paint - Masury Paint Team. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and put up with the Lions. He loved animals, had a good sense of humor, was hard worker and paid attention to every detail. Ben was an advisor and wealth of knowledge to his family. Ben’s life was all about his family. He will be remembered as a lover of spending time with his family.

Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a funeral service will be officiated by Chaplain Scott Southerland at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026. The service was livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5624781 .  Interment will be held later at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the “ASK” All Species Kinship, 8078 C Dr N, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.