Kathleen Ruth Lange, of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at the age of 78.
Kathy was born on Sept. 22, 1941, in Allegan. She was the fifth child of eight to Theodore and Josephine (McGeath) Lange.
She graduated from Allegan High School. Kathy completed beauty school and enjoyed being a beautician for many years. Later on, her love for flowers lead her to design floral arrangements for Shafer Flowers in Kalamazoo, and she also for a period of time had her own business called Silk Creations. Her hobbies included working in her flower garden and painting.
She raised her children on Long Lake and enjoyed the lake life with pontoon rides, fishing, and many sunsets. While her children were younger, she was a leader for both boys’ and girls’ scouts and active in the Vicksburg Athletic Boosters. While her boys were in high school, she organized spaghetti dinners for the football team that is now a tradition in the community.
Kathy loved planning the annual sister trips and also visiting her cousin on Beaver Island. Her family will miss her baking, especially her banana bread, and her entrance to any home, “You Who I’m here.”
Most important to Kathy was her faith and her family. She loved when her family was all together and supported her children and grandchildren’s many endeavors. Kathy will be missed by all that knew her and will be remembered by her family for being giving, helpful, generous, spunky, faithful, strong willed, and very family oriented.
Kathy is survived by her three children, Kelly (Dan) Oswalt of Vicksburg, Scott Swope of Vicksburg, and Matt (Debbie) Swope of Vicksburg; five grandchildren, Megan (JT Neel) Oswalt, Emily (Andy) Foster, Katie (Derek) Debiak, Amanda Swope and Nick Swope, all of Vicksburg; and two great-grandchildren, Grady and Addy Foster, both of Vicksburg. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Lange of Allegan; sister, Gretchen (Ron) Wedge of Allegan; brother-in-law, Ken Washburn of Hopkins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Josie Neel; siblings, Grace Ann (Gerald) Richardson, Sue (Joe) Huguelet, Barbara Jo Washburn, Mary Joan Lange, and Ted (Wanda) Lange; special cousin, Edna “Skip” McDonough; and sister-in-law, Sue Lange.
Kathy has been cremated and will have a Celebration of her Life on her birthday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 8 pm at R&R Weddings and Events, 343 West Prairie, Vicksburg, MI.
While visiting Kathy’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com, please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to Birch Meadows 710 N. Douglas St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.