Edythe L. ShumpBattle CreekEdythe L. (Gault) Shump, age 94 of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, May 7, 2017.  She was born on March 12, 1923 at Nichols Hospital in Battle Creek, the daughter of Annie (Walton) and Cecil Backus.  She graduated from Richland High School and attended Mullinex Business College in Battle Creek.  Edythe worked in the Quartermaster Department at Fort Custer under wartime civil service, later she worked in sales at the Sears & Roebuck Company.  She was a member of the Church of the Brethren, Burnham Brook, and the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital auxiliary.  Edythe enjoyed crocheting, knitting, crossword puzzles, cards, traveling and most of all being with her family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, step father, brothers; William and James Gilchrist, husbands; Homer F. Gault and Frank Shump, daughter; Joyce Gandy, 103 year old sister-in Law; Delores Lawson on May 3, 2017, whom she was close to during her lifetime and at passing.  She is survived by her sons; Robert (Mary) Gault, George T. Shump, Frank (Jill) Shump, daughters; Rose Shump, Cynthia (Vince) Peckens and Julie Hanson, sister; Mary Sansbury, brothers; Edward E. (Betty) Backus, Richard (Sarah) Gilchrist and John (Donna) Gilchrist, grandchildren; Stephanie (Larry) Moats, Craig (Kate) Gandy, Michael Gault, Sara (Jim) Lockmiller, step grandchildren' Scott Sapko, Nicole Stevens, Eric (Heather) Hanson, Samantha Shump, Frank M. Shump III, Caitlyn Shump, Nikki Peckens, five great grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Friends may call from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday May 19, 2017 at the funeral home, with Rev. Mary Gault officiating, interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org