Carrie Childers

Carolyn “Carrie” Louise Childers, born August 24, 1958, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI, was a force of nature who loved fiercely and had a personality larger than life. Known for her hearty laugh and sharp sense of humor, Carrie filled every room she entered with joy and energy. Her strong will and fierce independence were matched only by her passion, creativity, and ability to connect with others. Throughout her life, she built and nurtured lifelong friendships wherever she went. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Carrie was deeply cherished by all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of many.

Carrie’s entrance into the world was as swift and unexpected as the life she would lead. On the day that Carrie was born, her dad loaded three kids and his pregnant wife into the car and drove them to the hospital. The doctor indicated that it would be at least 2 hours before the new baby arrived, so mom stayed at the hospital, and the family left to return home, a mere 9-minute commute. However, Carrie had different plans and was born before the family even reached their home. Her mother remembers being raced into the delivery room, and Carrie arrived so fast that the doctor said, “I almost dropped her!”

Her mother often joked that Carrie had been going at full speed ever since. As a child, she never walked—she ran full-speed everywhere. People always recognized Carrie as the little “ball of fire”.

Carrie attended the Campus School at Western Michigan University until it closed in 1965, after which she transferred to Kalamazoo Public Schools, eventually graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1976. Her high school years were filled with fond memories, especially of her beloved yellow VW Bug and beach parties in South Haven.

Before finishing high school, Carrie began working part-time at Borgess Hospital, where she trained in various fields, including the laboratory and emergency room, eventually becoming a skilled phlebotomist. On November 11, 1978, she married Dean Childers, and they settled in Gobles, Michigan. Together, they welcomed their first son, Travis, in July 1981, followed by the twins, Dustin and Matthew, in July 1985. Carrie’s children were her pride and joy, and she was an active classroom volunteer, room mother, and PTO member. Her creativity shone in the elaborate Halloween costumes she handmade for her boys, which were often so intricate that they became the stuff of family legend. Her son Dustin particularly requested non-standard costumes, such as Dome World. In many cases Dustin’s costumes would be so large and cumbersome, that he was unable to keep up with his brothers while trick-or-treating.

After several years in Gobles, the family moved to Wyoming, Michigan, where Carrie continued her active involvement in her sons’ schools, attending field trips, helping in classrooms, and throwing epic birthday parties. Following her divorce from Dean, Carrie embarked on a career in medical insurance. She quickly rose to the top of her field, eventually starting her own very successful business, where she became a trusted professional and friend to many clients.

On December 16, 2012, after a decade of dating, Carrie married the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Watson. The years that they spent together were rich in love, support and companionship. They enjoyed memorable trips to Mexico, Punta Cana and Jamaica. Many additional wonderful memories were made with family and friends while staying in the family lake house in Cedarville, Michigan. Carrie and Rick shared a love of VW Bugs. Eventually they were able to procure a replica yellow VW Bug. Rick rebuilt and refurbished that bug for Carrie. They purchased an additional matching black VW bug and had His and Her bugs. They enjoyed many drives showing off at the Grand Rapids Metro Cruise, in the yellow VW bug, often with their late goldendoodle, Lucy, perched in the back seat.

Carrie was an avid reader who loved to tan, spend time on the beach, and create lasting family traditions. She was known for her generous cooking, always preparing food in abundance—a loving joke among her family and friends.

In the spring of 2024, Carrie was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Despite undergoing surgery and beginning chemotherapy, she unexpectedly lost her battle with cancer after a very short fight.

Though her loss leaves a void that is hard to fathom, Carrie’s legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, who continue to honor her by carrying out the traditions she cherished and loving family, friends and life just as fiercely as she did.

Carrie L. Childers, of Grand Rapids, age 65, passed away on August 18, 2024. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. George G. Mallinson. She is survived by her mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” V. Mallinson; her beloved husband, Rick Watson; her sons, Travis (Rachel), Dustin (Bailey), and Matthew (Hanna); and her grandchildren, Blake, Elliot, Bennet, and Jack. She is also survived by her siblings, Cyrus (Carol), Virginia “Ginni,” Charles “Chuck,” and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She leaves behind her close companion, her dog, Diva.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held on September 14, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. This will be an informal gathering of friends and family to visit and exchange stories; casual dress is encouraged. Celebrate Carrie’s life by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.