Helen Wattles

WATTLES, Helen
Kalamazoo, MI Helen Statler Fischer Wattles, age 77, died on September 19, 2009 at Rose Arbor Hospice after a brief illness. Helen was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. She was a graduate of Stoneleigh Prospect School of Greenfield, MA and Western Michigan University. She married John C. Wattles, February 26, 1955 at Stetson Chapel on the campus of Kalamazoo College. They settled in Kalamazoo to raise their three children. Helen was involved in a number of organizations throughout her life: Service Club of Kalamazoo, Honorary member; Junior League of Kalamazoo, Sustainer; Women's Council of Kalamazoo College; First Tuesday Garden Club; Lakeside Home for Boys, Board member; Douglas Michigan Garden Club; Kalamazoo Figure Skating Club, President; Tuesday Tennis group. Helen enjoyed tennis, was an avid golfer, loved traveling and spending time with her family, dear friends and her beloved cat, Sam. She was an enthusiastic supporter of The Gilmore Rising Star Series. She is predeceased by her daughter, Sara W. Perry, and her parents, Fredrick C. Fischer and Wilhelmenia Statler Fischer. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John C. Wattles, their children and their spouses, Charles D. Wattles and Rosemary Willey of Kalamazoo, Catherine W. and Peter J. Barnes of Edison, NJ, Son-in-law, Erick D. Perry of Kalamazoo, her brother and sister-in-law, F. Conrad and Sonja H. Fischer of Winnetka, IL, her grandchildren, Robert S. Perry of Denver CO, Catherine W. Perry, Elizabeth W. Perry, Madeline R. Wattles and Foster J. Wattles of Kalamazoo, Margaret F. Barnes, Peter John Barnes and Kenneth R. Barnes of Edison, NJ. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews and their children, whom she loved as her own. Helen was lovingly cared for by Sue Ritter and Liz Campbell. Following a private family committal, friends will be received at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. on Thursday, beginning at 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Gilmore Rising Star Series, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp or Williston-Northampton School-the Sara Wattles Perry Fund. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508