Minnie B. Bishop

Minnie Bishop was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and great grandma who always thought of others before herself. She was a truly wonderful woman who tried each day to bring happiness into the hearts of the many people she loved. Minnie regarded her family as her greatest accomplishment, and in their warm company a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips. Minnie belonged to a large family of five boys and four girls. She enjoyed a typical childhood on a farm in the town of Vernon, Texas. She liked to spend her time outdoors, and she especially loved riding her horse to school with her sister. As Minnie grew into a young lady, the Second World War broke out in Europe. Her future husband was in the service, temporarily stationed in Texas. They met one afternoon in a soda shop/drug store in the town of Vernon. Their personalities were very different, but opposites attract and they soon fell in love. She and Ken shared some of the same interests. They both enjoyed entertaining and going out to parties. Among her family and friends, Minnie was rumored to be the original party animal. Minnie and Ken were married in July of 1946. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Kay and Pam. Minnie was extremely involved in her children's lives. They were her first priority. She always knew what was best for them, and she was very protective. After Mindy's first born, Kay, was diagnosed with a rare form of an anemic disorder at the age of four months that was a fatal disease at the time, she single-handedly took care of her daughter while not having family to support her and while her husband was away in the service. She virtually sat by her daughter round the clock while in the hospital and transporting her to and from appointments until she was well again. Although she was very loving, she also managed to be strict when it was necessary. As her children grew older, they began to regard Minnie as their best friend. Minnie was always thinking up special activities for her children. Although her job kept her busy, she was never at a loss for energy when it came to her children. During the winters she her husband took them out to ski, and in the summertime she and the kids paid weekly visits to the lake. Minnie never learned how to swim, but she enjoyed watching her children at play. On the weekends, they would pack the kids into the car and drive up to the family cottage, Kay-Dawn. Minnie never complained that she didn't have much time for herself. She was the happiest when she knew that she was making her children happy. As her children grew older, Minnie dedicated more and more time to her professional life. She was a pioneer for her time. She was one of the first women to own and operate her own business. "The Vogue Draperies" was located in downtown Grand Haven at 115 Washington. Minnie created her business from scratch, and she successfully operated for thirty years until her retirement. She was excellent in her craft. Her profession provided her with a modest income which she generously used to help her family. Around 1960 she purchased a home for her parents in Vernon, Texas. Years later, after her father died, she bought a smaller home for her mother where she could live near family. This was a true testament to her giving, caring nature. She worked hard so that she would be able to help others. Whether financially or through volunteer work, Minnie devoted her life to helping people in need. She was involved in many organizations, including the Red Hats, American Legion Auxiliary, St. John's Thrift Shop, and North Ottawa Volunteers. In her private life too, Minnie always tried to be as helpful as possible. When she moved to Grand Haven, she and her daughter Kay stayed with Ken's Aunt Bertha. Bertha was blind. Minnie made certain that all of her needs were met. She took Bertha to stores and she ran errands for her. In her spare time, Minnie explored a variety of hobbies and talents. She was an excellent seamstress. As a child she had spent countless hours sewing and stitching her siblings' clothing. In her adult years, she created many pieces of clothing for herself and her family. She sewed the most beautiful prom dresses, party dresses, and matching coats. She always looked her best, and she made certain that her daughters did too. Minnie was also a skilled knitter and gardener. She spent a lot of time studying preventative medicine and was continually reading articles to keep track of the newest information. She instilled her healthy habits in her family. Minnie was always the happiest when she was spending time with her family. In her later years she was thrilled to see her family grow with the blessing of eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandkids. Her eldest grandchild once called her Mindy, providing her with a nickname that stuck throughout the years. Even some of her friends called her by this name. After her retirement in 1985, Minnie discovered more time to spend with her growing family. She began babysitting for her grandkids, and later her great-grandkids. One of her favorite times of the year was Easter, when the entire family gathered together in her house for a day of great food and outdoors fun. Many of Minnie's fondest memories involve the days that she and the family spent egg-hunting, kite-flying, and opening gifts from the Easter Bunny. In recent years Minnie took kind and loving care of her husband Ken. Even as her own health was failing, she continued to think about the welfare of others before thinking about herself. If she was having a difficult day, she never let anyone know. Her children would say, "How are you?" and she would always reply, "I'm fine." Then she would ask everyone else how they were doing. Even during her own trials, she remained an inexhaustible source of support for her family. Minnie was a woman of graceful elegance, and she will be dearly missed and frequently remembered by the many people whose hearts she touched. Mrs. Minnie B. Bishop, age 80, died Saturday, June 10, 2006. She was born in Lott, Texas on May 5, 1926 to Benjamin & Eva Mae (Fleming) Downes. SURVIVORS Husband, Ken; 2 daughters, Kay (Dr. Donald) Wilton of Grand Haven & Pam (Oussama) Naccache of North Muskegon; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren & one on the way; 3 sisters, Bessie (Jack) James of TX, Melba (JR) James of TX & Eva Mae Keck of TX; 1 brother, Billy Wayne Downes of TX; many nieces & nephews; "adopted daughter", Lynn Lee of Grand Haven. She was preceded in death by herparents & 4 brothers, Bennie, Hernon, Raymond & Jack Downes. SERVICE Thursday, June 15, 2006, 11:00 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church with Fr. John B. Hills officiating. VISITATION Wednesday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Hospice of North Ottawa, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. You may sign the online guest book at www.lifestorynet.com