Grace Birdsell, age 66, of Croton, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2001, at the Spectrum Health Services Downtown Campus in Grand Rapids. She was born on June 5, 1934, in Erie, Kansas to Wade and Geraldine (Nelson) Thompson and married Jack Birdsell in July of 1948, in Batesville, Arkansas. She had been a toll operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for many years until her retirement in 1964. She was a former member of the United Methodist Church and was an active supporter of the "Samaritans Purse" which distributes gifts to needy children in under developed countries. She is survived her husband of 52 years, Jack Birdsell of Croton; her children, Dia (Tate) Eggers of Holland; Charlotte (Richard) Anton of Newaygo; Rick (Jeanette) Birdsell of Newaygo; Lewis (Kathy) Birdsell of Newaygo; Randy Birdsell of Marquette; 11 grandchildren, Michael, Randy, Jared, Michelle, Christina, Hilary, Emily, Torey, Bryan, Camden, Bryce; great granddaughter, Skyler; mother, Geraldine Thompson of Grand Rapids; and sister, Joyce Klamer of Newaygo. She was preceded in death by her father Wade Thompson and brother Tommy Thompson. For a more lasting memorial friends are asked to consider the "Samaritans Purse" Fund C/O Crandell Funeral Home. Envelopes and arrangement by Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. www.crandellfh.com