Time For Memory

Gabriel John Hitchings

2002 - 2007

Gabriel John Hitchings, ”Our Beautiful Sweet Boy”, born November 24, 2002 went to be with the Lord on August 14, 2007. During his short time with us, he filled the hearts and lives of all he touched with his joy and love. He especially adored his sister and brother who showered him with so much love everyday. Our Lord has taken him back to be home in heaven and he will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

Gabe loved Blues Clues, Cheerios and dancing barefoot.He never was without his handy dandy notebook and he was silly and playful and just plain "yummy".

Gabriel is preceded in death by his father A.J. Hitchings, grandfather, Arthur “Bud” Hitchings, grandmother Nancy Reed and great grand parents Owen and Marian Mumaw.

He is survived by his mother Michele Hitchings, sister Katie Hitchings, brother Jonah Hitchings all of Greenville, grandparents, Charles and Mary Reed of Onekama, and Dorothy Hitchings of Grand Rapids, great grandmother Cleo Jesse of Spring Lake,aunts and uncles; Ginny and Bruce Richards, Doug and Pam Reed, Julie and Larry Fox, Charles and Michelle Reed, Susan and Mike Ralston, Kimberly and Steve Palethorpe,Shannon and Thomas O’Keefe, Sandi and John Ayon, James Hitchings, Val and Randy Klomp, Daryl and Marti Hitchings, and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Monday August 20, 2007 at 1 PM from Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville with Rev. Frank Marsh officiating. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to benefit Gabriel's siblings at Huntington Bank or to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.

There are currently 29 condolences.

Betty and Mark Krauss Monday August 27, 2007 at 10:36 AM
His loss will take much time to even realize the impact on all of the family. It is ok to ask for help during this difficult time, as all of us wish to do something. We are there for support and love.

Rich, Jeanette & Elias Schreiner Wednesday August 22, 2007 at 10:53 AM
The loss of Gabriel has touched us deeply and we are truly sorry for his passing. Our hearts and our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Rich, Jeanette & Elias

Nancy and Michael Schreiner Tuesday August 21, 2007 at 9:01 PM
It was obvious within minutes of meeting the little guy. His smile could light up the room! We will never forget him coming to greet us at the candy store and how personable he had become. We will remember his incredible warmth always. He was a product of the great family circle. We loved him deeply. Thanks for letting us be part of his life. God bless you Shelly, Katie, and Jonah.

The Bowen Family Tuesday August 21, 2007 at 12:14 AM
"Gabriel - Messenger of God" Gabriel was and will continue to be a most beautiful message of love. Our deepest sympathy to you. Friends in DS - Nathan, Annette, Abbey, Jared and Emma Bowen

Nathan and Annette Bowen Monday August 20, 2007 at 11:47 PM
"Gabriel - Messenger of God" Gabriel was and will continue to be a most beautiful message of love. Our deepest sympathy to you. Friends in DS, The Nathan Bowen Family

Wayne Barnett Monday August 20, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Dear Shelly, I just heard about your tragic loss and was deeply saddened. Although I did not know your son I know he was a special little boy because he had a very wonderful Mommy. It is so horrible to lose someone so young and also, at the same time, lose the one who you would normally lean on during a time like this. I know how much you loved AJ from the many conversations we had so many years ago. I know the void will be large. You and your family will be in my prayers. I ask that God be with you and bring peace to all of you and also that he provide you with needed strength. I know you are a believer as you bought me the first book of the "Left Behind" series of which I now own all in the series. I will always be grateful for you doing that for me. I don't have words nor can I even imagine what you are enduring at this time since I have never experienced something like this. My only words are to trust in God to help you and give you strength each day. I know from talking with a friend who recently lost his young daughter to cancer that the pain doesn't seem to subside but that God helps him accept that pain. I hope you will feel that comfort also. Sincerely, Wayne Barnett (from the old CBR bunch)

Darlene Keizer Monday August 20, 2007 at 2:47 PM
Dear Shelly, Katie, and Jonah, I only met your precious Gabriel once and that was at Lauren's wedding as her Mom Pam is a dear friend to me.I can still see him running between the chairs on that sunny afternoon with a smile that told all how happy and loved he was.I cannot imagine the pain you are all feeling today but I am praying that you will one day feel the peace that only comes from knowing your sweet boy is safe in the arms of Jesus.Meanwhile,his spirit will live on in the lives of those children who are alive today because of your gift.I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. Sincerely, Darlene Keizer

John Kellogg Monday August 20, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Shelly, Want you to know I'm thinking of you and wishing you comfort at this time. John Kellogg

Roxy Rice Monday August 20, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Dear Shelly, My thoughts and prayers are with you, and my heart goes out to you. I didn't know Gabriel well; just met him a few times at the Candy Palace--but what a sweetheart! He had a gentleness about him that I loved. Even those of us who didn't know him well will miss him. God bless you with comfort and peace, my friend. Roxy Rice

Roxanne and Dave Stafford Monday August 20, 2007 at 8:23 AM
To Gabe's mom, brother, sister and family, I work with Lauren Cole, and Dave and I have a 2 yr old son, so I understand yumminess, it so describes the love you feel for them. Dave and I want to extend our sympathy, love and prayers to you. God be with you and wrap his arms around you, and may you feel his love and peace. Love, Dave and Roxanne.

Krista Chapman Monday August 20, 2007 at 2:03 AM
Dear Mrs Hitchings, Katie, and Jonah, Please allow me to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of Gabriel and your father. I know how dear Gabriel was to your family and I always enjoyed talking to Katie about our respective Gabriels. I am touched beyond words by the ultimate gift you have allowed Gabriel to give someone by donating his organs. That is such a brave and unselfish act. I can only hope that your bravery inspires others to act as you have done to allow others the gift of life you and Gabriel have given. Please call on me if there is anything that I can do for your family in the future. I look forward to seeing Jonah soon and I wish him a speedy recovery. Please know that my thoughts have been with your family since last Tuesday and continue to be. Sincerely, Mrs. Krista Chapman

Jen Andersen Monday August 20, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Shelley, (Katie and Jonah, too!) I will miss Gabe daily at Lincoln Heights. He enriched many lives, several I'm sure you will never know of. The people who loved him, PLAYED with him and interacted with him will carry something special in their hearts forever. I know and trust that he will live on in many ways, but he will be terribly missed as well. Jen (Mrs. Andersen)

The Brink Family ( your old neighbors on Rickman) Sunday August 19, 2007 at 4:56 PM
Dear Shelly, All of us send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. We know we have not been in contact for many years, but we still think of and talk of your family. There are many fond memories of living next door to you and your Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters. I spoke to Ginny at least a couple years ago or more and we spoke of trying to get all of us together, I wish we had. My Mom, Cliff and I are still in the area. Please know that we will continue to pray for you and your family. Paula

Kelly "Mundwiler" Francis and Jacob Francis Sunday August 19, 2007 at 3:53 PM
We are so sorry to hear of your devistating loss. My grandparents (Stub and Lois) called to let us know about the accident and we have had you in our thoughts since the news. Your family is in our deepest prayers during your time of need and in the many days ahead.

Vredeveld Family Sunday August 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our daughter Kimmy called us from Wyoming yesterday to tell us about the accident. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time and the days ahead.

Ms. Tammy Pellegrom Sunday August 19, 2007 at 1:05 AM
Iam saddened to hear about the loss of your precious young man. I remember the first time you brought him into Grattan Academy, all wrapped up in blackets and warm. His smile is precious and his eyes are so alert. I have prayed for the strength of God to assist Jonah as he goes through rehabilitative services. Katie:Hold your chin up, keep smiling and provide Jonah with extra needed support. Shelly: My heart bleeds for you today, as I can only inagine how you might be feeling. Please know that you are surrounded by those who love you and want to support you. May God surround you with peace and contentment as you go about processing the change. It is Jonah's smile that kept me happy when he was in the 2nd & 3rd grade classroom. I always thought the world of Jonah! I wish you the best of luck in gaining a fully recovering. It can be done! Mrs. Pellegrom

Nathan and Kim Raih Saturday August 18, 2007 at 5:20 PM
Dear Shelly, Katie, and Jonah, We love you so very much and we are so very sorry for your losses! We have so many fond memories of your family and won't ever forget them. We loved Gabriel's smile and fun-loving spirit and the times, Shelly, that we have spent chatting about our children in the nursery. We now know that Gabriel can be free to be barefoot anytime now, no worries about those shoes anymore.:) We are praying for Jonah,as well,that he will fully recover and that his physical pain will be gone. We are praying for your pain emotionally as well, for all of you, that God would comfort you and give you his peace. Katie, keep on singing!!! You have a beautiful voice that God will use for His glory forever!!You all put so much time and energy, and love into Gabriel, especially with your signing and fun songs, we will always remember those fond memories. We love you. Love, Nathan, Kim, Heidi, and Isaac Raih

Mary Rockwell Saturday August 18, 2007 at 4:54 PM
You do not know me, however I have been praying for your family since the time I heard of the accident. Please know that I continue to pray for you, as do so many others in the area. May knowing this help ease your painful heart.

Linda Klepper Saturday August 18, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Shelly and family Randy and I are so sadden with the loss of your beautiful child. A special prayer will said, just for you and your family to help you stay strong. God Bless Linda and Randy Klepper

Pete & Jackie Van Norden Saturday August 18, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Shelly, this morning I awoke from a dream with tears on my pillow. I dreamt of two special little boys. Our angel, Tyler, was greeting your angel, Gabie, in heaven. Two little boys, hand in hand, running barefoot in heaven with peace, joy, laughter, & love in their hearts. Please know that you, Katie & Jonah are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Your friends will be your strength when you need us to be. love Pete & Jackie

Mike and Lee Mshar Family mmshar0274@charter.net Saturday August 18, 2007 at 10:52 AM
We are fellow DSAWM members. Praying for you at your time of loss.

Andy and Donna Peterson Saturday August 18, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Dear Hitching Family, "Your Beautiful Sweet Boy" will be missed by all whose heart he was able touch in this life. We weep with you even though we have never meet you. Our son Travis (with DS) is just a year older and we truly know what joy you have experienced. God made Gabriel perfect for this world and now will enjoy him for eternity. May God bless and comfort you in the days and years to come.

Hawkins Family Saturday August 18, 2007 at 10:13 AM
To the Hitching family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you try to deal with all that has happened over the past few days. We can never understand why god decides to take people home, no matter what age, but especially as a young child. Maria and I have 3 children and I can not imagine what it would be like to have one of them gone. We have both witnessed the lose of young and old in our jobs and it is never easy to deal with, even when they are strangers. We both come from medical backgrounds, me as a firefighter/paramedic and Maria works for AeroMed. We were also touched as our oldest daughter Megan (5 yo) also has Down Syndrome. Although your family has experienced a great lose, you have decided to have Gabriel live on in strangers by donating his organs. What a wonderful gift that you are providing for others that are in need. If Gabriel was anything like Megan, she would give her heart and soul to someone that was in need. That is the specialness of people with Down Syndrome, they have a heart bigger then any of us could ever imagine. We hope that even though Gabriel is physically gone, you never forget all of the speacial times, memories and love that he brought to you and your family and to those strangers who you passed in the store or on the street that saw his wonderful smile or his unconditional love for all those around him. We pray that your son recovers from his injuries and is able to regain his life and help carry on the magic of his little brother. God bless you and all of your family. Jeff, Maria, Megan, Emma & Carter Hawkins

CJ, Kim, Mercedes & Bryce kimberlyschndr@yahoo.com Saturday August 18, 2007 at 9:00 AM
He's in a better place right now than he's ever been before; All the pain is gone; he's now at rest; nothing troubles him anymore. It's we who feel the burden of our sadness and our grief; We have to cry, to mourn our loss, before we get relief. We know we'll reconnect with him at the end of each life's road; We'll see his cherished face again when God calls us home. We are so sorry for your loss. We love you all so much. If there is anything we can do for you don't hesitate to call. We love you all very much.

Jim and Sharon Madison Saturday August 18, 2007 at 8:54 AM
Shelly,Katie and Jonah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Shelly you are such a positive person I know you will lead Katie and Jonah to have a full and successful life in spite of the terrible loss in all of your lives. Gabie, as I know him from church, that's what Katie always called him, was a happy and special boy. We will be praying for you, Katie, and Jonah. God be with you.

Carolyn Slocum tlslocum@casair.net Friday August 17, 2007 at 6:21 PM
Katie and Family, I'm so sorry! I know how much Gabriel meant to you. I'm sending my thoughts and prayers to you in hopes it will help ease your pain. God bless you all

Amy Fotis Friday August 17, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Dear Hitching Family -- Our prayers are being prayed for your family daily (and nightly -- each time I awake at night). I pray for peace for AJ, Gabriel, and all those they left behind. I pray that each person in your family knows and feels that God has a purpose for their shortened lives and can make good out of bad. It gives me goosebumps to hear about the impact Gabriel is already making on the world and in eternity. By Shelly's gracious gift in donating his organs at least three children's lives are already being impacted in a positive life-giving way. Try to imagine all the good that can be generated by that gift of renewed health and the potential each of those lives will now have on others. I pray that Gabriel's loving spirit is carried by each of his organ recipients. God bless you and keep you. Amy Fotis (friend of Daryl and Marti Hitchings)

Luanne Kerr Friday August 17, 2007 at 12:31 PM
I can only say that this is true heartache. I will forever miss speaking on the phone with Gabriel, dancing and singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", reading books and, of course, eating chips. I'll be here for all of you, forever, for anything. You can count on it.

Kay Young Friday August 17, 2007 at 9:15 AM
Michele,Katie,Jonah I'm so sorry for your loss I truly enjoyed your children at Lincoln Heights they always had a smile on there face, were so talented. Mrs. Young

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