On Monday, April 29, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. Marvelyn Vivian Babcock joyously entered into the gates of heaven where her Lord and Savior was waiting with open arms to receive her. After a long illness she quietly transitioned from her home in Helena, Montana to her heavenly home with her loving husband, adoring children and grandchildren at her side. She was 79 years old.
Marvelyn began her life in Corydon, Pennsylvania on March 16, 1934 to Reverend Lyman and Vivian Brough. She was the youngest of three children; the only girl and the delight of her parents. Her family moved to Eaton County, Michigan when she was very young and she grew to be a beautiful, bright and loving young women.
She married young to the love of her life , Robert W. Babcock on September 16, 1950 which spanned 62 years until her death. She became the mother of three children: a son, Robert and two daughters, Sherry and Deborah. Her children were the light of her life and she spent a lifetime helping them become brighter and stronger.
In her early adult years, Marvelyn was active in the Charlotte Junior Chamber of Commerce and worked for the Charlotte School System in the Title Three Program. After she had raised her children, she returned to school to get her high school diploma. In 1984 she graduated from Eaton Rapids Continuing Education High School in the top of her class with a 4.0 grade point average.
In 1985 she felt the call of the ministry on her life and enrolled in the Mount Hope Bible Training Center. She also attended Fuller Institute in California, Oral Roberts University, Tommy Barnett Pastors & Leaders School and became a licensed pastor. In 1986 Bob and Marvelyn moved to Upland, California where they pastored “He Lifted Me Ministry” The next 10 years were spent preaching the word of God, helping the brokenhearted and praying for those in need. In 1995 after retiring from the ministry, they moved to Helena. Montana where she resided until her death.
Marvelyn had two passions in life, God and her family and she pursued both until the end of her days. She has left an empty place in the hearts of her family and friends but the impact she made on the lives she touched, will live forever.
She is survived by her beloved husband; Rev. Robert W. Babcock; her son Rev. Robert K Babcock; her daughters, Sherry Schroeder (Andrew Schroeder), Deborah Grewett (Jeffrey Grewett); 7 grandchildren Rachael Bacus (James Bacus Jr.), Elizabeth Bunch (Darren Bunch) Sarah Smith (Allan Smith) Rebekah Sutheimer (Ryan Sutheimer) Jeffrey Grewett, Stephen Schroeder, Michael Schroeder; 12 Great-Grand Children Zachary Ibarra (Stephanie Ibarra), James Bacus III, Janette Julian Bacus, Nicolette Bacus, Madeline Bacus, Levi Sutheimer, Felicity Bunch, Brent Bunch, Aaron Bunch, Bradley Buys, Alyssa Buys, Juliette Buys; 2 brothers, Marlyn Brough, Norlyn Brough (Barbara Brough) and many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends and family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena, Mt 59062.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at the funeral home with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the luncheon reception.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to David Klein of Rocky Mountain Hospice and LaRae Hartman of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home for their attentiveness, kindness and loving care. We would also like to thank Dr. Mark Ibsen and staff at Urgent Care Plus for their tender loving care and support.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday May 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday May 3, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday May 2, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday May 3, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday May 3, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, Montana 59602
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Cheryl Herrick Dikeman says
Sherry, Debbie and Bob, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Your mother was a beautiful loving person who followed the path of the Lord. She was a great neighbor and a valued member of the Charlotte community. May God bless her and receive her into his kingdom.
Cheryl
suzanne Y. Jones says
Sherry, Bob and Debbie,
I’m so sorry at the loss of your Mom. She was such a beautiful, warm person. I have fond memories. My thought and prayers are with you all. love Suzanne
Jan and Charles Fleck says
Our hearts are breaking today as we read of Marvelyn’s passing in the Lansing State Journal. She truly was an amazing woman, a kind and loyal friend. I remember so many fun times with Bob and Marvelyn. Heaven is sweeter because she is there, and I look forward to seeing her again in that place where all tears are wiped away.
When I think of the word faithful, Marvelyn’s name is next to it. Such a wonderful example to us. We dearly loved her and will miss her greatly.
fred kortryk lansing ( mt hope) says
my condolences Bob. it’s hard being alone after so many years & it dosn’t get much easier no matter what they say about time. It’s been 3 years 4 me & the lonlyness gets difficult but the Lord is always there. Will be praying for you. Keep close to the kids. I hope your health is good. I guess I will be around for awhile, why I have no idea yet. keep hanging in there buddy! fred
Chick Rolling says
Joan and I were unaware of Marvelyn’s illness and startled to see the obituary posted in Thursday’s paper. We just want to express our deepest sympathies to the Babcock and Grewett families. We know you have all the good memories of your time with her to support family and friends at this sad occasion.
Chick and Joan Rolling
Junie and Larry Decker says
To ALL of Marvelyn’s dearly loved one’s: We are so very sorry to see in the Lansing State Journal of Marvelyn’s passing. Her faith in God, was always shown. Heaven has gotten another “Beautiful” Angel to share with so many other loved one’s there. I think of Carla so very often, now those 2 can once again be together, as with so many others. BOB,,especially thinking of you today, and for time to mend your broken heart. You shared a wonderful life with a beautiful wife, for as long as I can ever remember….Many memories of the love you had for one another…..To all your children, and grand children and great-grandchilden –God Bless You ALL…..Thinking of you ALL.. Love..The Decker’s..(still in Nashville, Mich.)
Butch Rudesill says
Wow…Bob’s mom…You know I can remember way back when Reverend Robert Babcock was just “Bobby” or “Bob” and he had that OD green “Humpmobile”…and a very pretty young mother, Mrs. Babcock. She made dill pickle and peanut butter on wheat bread sandwiches that are still my favorite.
May she rest in Heavenly Peace. May God Bless you all in this time of loss. (Take joy in the knowledge that she will be in God’s arms forever more.)
Butch