Catherine Fellows

Catherine Fellows was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. But first and foremost in her life was a conviction in the inherent goodness of God. That belief allowed her to love others as she was loved. Cathy invested herself in her family as well as countless others. Her warm personality and steadfast love will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Arthur and Ethel (Smith) Miley were delighted when their daughter, Catherine Kleen, arrived on November 5, 1946, in Marion, Ohio. Her parents planned on naming her Catherine Kaleen but never got around to correcting the spelling on her birth records. Joining her older brother, Forest, her birth brought them great joy and happiness. Later, she became the older sister to Carolyn who completed their family of three children.

Catherine grew up with a typical childhood. Her family had strong Christian values instilled in her throughout her early years. Her dad worked on the railroad so the family enjoyed annual train rides to Chicago around Christmas. When the warm summer months approached, they enjoyed spending their days at the shoreline of Lake Erie. Catherine’s mother worked outside the home, so Catherine and her sister learned to cook and prepare dinner when their dad returned from a long day’s work. She thrived as a student and after graduating, enrolled at Bob Jones University. Around this time, she started dating a young man on campus. Turns out she ended up a better match for his roommate, Timothy Fellows! The two of them hit it off and began dating. On June 13, 1968, they joined in marriage in Marion. Timothy found work in Augusta, Georgia and they spent their early married months visiting each other on weekends until Catherine finished school. Together, they raised three wonderful children; Timothy, John, and Anna.

As a family, they created a strong foundation of faith. She modeled a personal relationship with her Lord and the family held devotions each evening. Often sacrificing herself for the benefit of others, she reflected the goodness of God by helping countless people, including missionaries, fostering children, to welcoming immigrants. With Timothy being a local pastor, she opened up their home to anyone in need and faithfully served in Pilgrims Bible Church. She was well-known throughout the congregation for her listening ear and her hospitality.

Cathy’s first teaching experience was in child evangelism at 16 years of age. Following college, she began teaching Bible classes in both Augusta area public schools in the 60’s and 70’s when schools were segregated. Catherine had a natural way with children. Her bright, jovial spirit touched the lives of many during her years in the classroom. Once she could no longer teach in the public schools, she transitioned to teaching at Augusta Christian and later Curtis Baptist School. Her heart was full delivering the good news of the Lord and passing it on to others. Valuing education, she also earned her Master’s Degree at Tennessee Temple.

Sadly, in 2003, her husband, Timothy tragically passed away. She continued to work and leaned on her children for support as she learned to navigate without him. In 2008, she was diagnosed with cancer and retired from teaching. Catherine left the field as gently as she started. She always took things in stride and never dwelled on the less significant things in life.

Catherine later went to live with her daughter, Anna, and her family in Grand Rapids. During recent years, she was a constant in her grandchildren's lives. During these years, she shared her strong values with her grandchildren and instilled in them the same acts of service for others she learned from her growing years. Her faith never wavered and she routinely prayed for a special list of people in her community as well as extended family and friends. Sadly, her cancer returned, and for the last several months she faced many health challenges. Catherine received the best of care during her last days at Rest Haven Homes. The family was grateful for their support as they sent her to be with her Lord and Savior. Catherine never complained and remained optimistic, although the disease progressed. A woman of great faith and an endearing spirit, there is no doubt that she will be dearly missed by her many special friends and loved ones. May they never doubt the love she held for each one of them and may her memories be eternal.

Catherine Kleen Fellows, age 77, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Augusta, Georgia, passed away on June 26, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Fellows Sr.; and her brother, Forest Miley.

Cathy is survived by her children (and grandchildren) Timothy & Andrea Fellows Jr (Jemimah, Timothy III, Keziah, Keren, Tirzah); John & Robyn Fellows (Rebekah & Michael Pascoe, Enoch & Blythe Fellows, Josiah, Gabriel), Anna & Steve Renkema (Mercedes, Titus, Moriah and Mordecai Renkema); great-granddaughter, Paris Pascoe; and sister, Carolyn Miley.

Cathy’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11 AM at Heritage Reformed Congregation. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Tuesday evening from 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. To share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com