Bernice Rabb

Bernice “Bernie” Isabel Rabb was born on January 3rd, 1927, and passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2025, at the age of 98, at home surrounded by her loving family.

At the age of 23, Bernie was saved and devoted her life to Jesus. She then became a devoted member of Oakwood Bible Church in Kalamazoo for seventy-five years, where she poured her heart into serving the Lord and others. For 49 of those years, she faithfully led as Sunday School Superintendent and joyfully taught the children’s Primary Department in Sunday School every week. She also taught Vacation Bible School, and cherished her role as a church greeter, welcoming each person with a warm smile that reflected the love of Christ within her.

Bernie’s heart for missions was steadfast. She not only supported numerous missionaries but also wrote to them regularly, encouraging them and reminding them of her prayers. She served with Child Evangelism Fellowship, teaching the Good News Club at the South Westnedge School for eight years, sharing the gospel message with countless children. Her life was centered on introducing others to Jesus, and she longed for every member of her family to know Him as their Savior.

Prayer was at the very core of who Bernie was. She was a true prayer warrior, if you ever asked Bernie to pray, you could be certain she did, often and with great faith. She brought everything before the Lord, from the smallest daily concern to her greatest desire: that all her loved ones would one day join her in Heaven.

While her faith was the foundation of her life, Bernie also treasured her family deeply. She and her beloved husband, Andrew “Andy” Rabb, were married in 1947 and shared forty-nine wonderful years together until his passing in 1995. Together, they raised two daughters, Phyllis (Carl) Bagley and Julie (Richard) Joslin. Bernie was a proud grandmother to Lewis (Lorell) Bagley, George (Lisa) Bagley, Jason Joslin, and Heather (Jon) Jones, and a cherished great-grandmother to Luke Bagley, Jakob Bagley, Paige Bagley, Connor Jones, Joshua Jones, Noah Jones, Isabel Jones, and Anna Jones. She loved family gatherings, games, singing, and always had room for dessert, most of the time two!

After Andy’s passing, Bernie lived independently for twenty-two years before moving in with her daughter Julie and son-in-law Rick in 2017. Even in later years, she continued to sing hymns, and children’s folk songs from years ago. Her favorite hymn, Victory in Jesus, beautifully captured the faith and hope that guided her every day. She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose frequent time with her brought them all great happiness.

Bernie will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her love of singing, her endless lists and notes, love of eating “Despite never gaining any weight”, and her devotion to her family, and most of all, her unwavering love for her Savior. She lived her life in service to others, always pointing those around her to the Lord she adored.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eliza Burgess; her beloved husband, Andy; and her siblings, Doris Westdorp, Loretta Walbert, Henrietta Baker, and John Burgess. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and prayer that will continue to bless generations to come.

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating the life of Bernie on September 5th 2025, at Oakwood Bible Church (4100 Oakland Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49008). Visitation and a display of treasured memorabilia will begin at 5:00p.m., followed by a Homegoing Celebration at 6:00p.m. In keeping with her wishes, Bernie will be cremated. Though she is no longer with us, her memory and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign her guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family.

The Rabb family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.