It hurts to admit this is our last conversation...but I, Mrs. Myrion L. Babcock from Athens, AL, have passed away. I passed peacefully in the arms of my daughter, Freida, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 5:30pm.

I leave behind my loving husband, Roger Babcock, whom I often affectionately referred to as "ROG". I'm sorry I missed your 7pm phone call on Thursday, those calls meant the world to me.

I will miss seeing my grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up to be the incredible people they are meant to be.

The middle child of 16 children, I'm joining Willadean Fielding (with Comer, and Woodrow Jenkins), Ocile Jenkins (with Warren), Guy Chittam (with Hattie May), Paisley Chittam (with Ann), Erminea Chittam, Herbert Chittam, William Ray Chittam (with Claudia), William McElyea, Jerry Battles, Charles Fugate and John Ruszewski, Nancy McDonald (with Jim), Michael Chittam, and my granddaughter Samantha Ann.

I leave behind my sisters, Sarah McElyea, Ann Barton (with John), Judy Winter (with Ron), Marsha Harris (with Bill) and in-laws Jean Chittam, Colleen Chittam, Sam Steele, Alice Walker (with Jerry), John Babcock (with Val). As the middle child, I got to enjoy being the baby of the "first litter" and the eldest of the "second litter". Thus, I was spoiled from both directions and surrounded by abundant laughter, love, good food and fun. Any time was a good time for a family reunion...remember when we were at The Fish Creel restaurant eating and a man came over and said, "it ought to be against the law to have as much fun as we were having?" He wanted to join our family!

I graduated from Clements High School, where on the basketball team, I was known to make many a shot from half court. Then, on roller skates, I met Charles Fugate in his Air Force dress blues, I found my first love and the father of my only child, Freida Fields (with Cliff).

As a young bride and mother, we started our adult lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I worked many jobs outside of the home, but homemaker was my most important title. I could bake, cook, build, and grow everything needed for a beautiful life.

But sometimes life doesn't work out. So, as a single mom, before it was "cool" to raise a child alone, I did exactly that. Then while playing billiards one night, I met John Ruszewski. We built a new house in Greenfield, Wisconsin and while still working outside the home, I excelled at every craft I tried. I took in sewing projects, made most of our favorite clothes - matching of course, and learned my favorite craft - ceramics. I taught classes for years and many of my pieces are still bringing smiles today, like Freida's watering can and Veronica's huge ceramic Christmas tree. I designed and made Freida's wedding gown and my dress to walk her down the aisle. Sadly, not long after we were empty nesters John passed away.

On my own again, I tuned up my bowling game and striked my way right into the Beloit Bowling Hall of Fame. One night while bowling, I met Roger Babcock. A kinder man I'd never known. A Christian, community leader and all-around good guy. An amateur carpenter, he had all the tools to help me bring every idea I could come up with to life. I moved to Beloit and couldn't have been happier serving the community beside Roger with Lions and later as president of the Lioness club, serving my church and my family working to bring people together with food, faith, and unswerving acceptance.

So, when there was a need in Pensacola, Florida I had to go. Bringing our card games as well as homemade board games, I tried to help to the best of my ability. Pecan sticky buns on Sunday after church with a competitive game of Shanghai brought smiles. I was blessed with 85 years of good health and played the hand life dealt me my way. I stayed active, involved, and tried to be a contributing part of my family and community.

Then when the days got long, and the years got short...I went to live at The Haven Our Lady of Peace. I can't say enough positive words to explain how the staff, from activities to administration; doctors; nurses; aides; PT/OT to maintenance of this lovely setting, enriched my last four years. They kept me safe through Covid and rallied to bring positivity to my twilight days.

Dust to Dust...I want to be cremated and share my spirit with family and friends across this country in the many cities I have been blessed to blossom and bloom.

"And when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand.
A n angel came and called my name and took me by the hand."

Thank you for sharing my life. I have always felt loved and love you in return. Eternally, MY