Molly Jean (Gorby) Austin

Molly Jean Austin (Gorby), 88, of Allegan, passed away from complications due to a stroke on March 15, 2024. Molly was born on January 11, 1936, in Allegan to Glenn and Ruth Gorby, both of Allegan. They had six children, three boys and three girls who came in handy on the big farm where they all lived. Molly graduated from Allegan High School in 1954. As a senior, she was the Echo Queen, a cast member of the senior play group, Scholar gram News Editor, and a member of the Future Homemakers of America. And she sure took that one to heart. Her senior motto was, “I have not long to live...single.” And that was a true statement. In 1955 she married Leroy Austin, from Holland, Michigan who had moved to Allegan and found Molly while attending high school.

Often times Lee would seek out her classes and peek through the windows and make ‘eyes’ at her. After Lee graduated in 1951, he joined the United States Navy and traveled abroad. After they were married, they lived in Holland for three years above his parents' home on 8th Street, then moved to their forever home in Allegan. Lee was a quality control manager for many years until the Allegan Rockwell plant closed down in 1991. Molly was true to her homemaker status as she was a ‘stay-at-home’ mom. They had two daughters, Kathy Austin (Keene), and Carrie Austin. She also babysat for many friends and neighbors' children over the years and on occasion was an unofficial hairdresser in her home. She was also an honorary grandmother for many close relatives and friends’ children. She loved them all very much as her own and enjoyed watching them swim and visiting and doling out the occasional chocolate.

Molly was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Ruth Gorby, a sister, Beverly Huff, a brother, Richard Gorby, and her husband, Lee who passed in Florida, in 2009. Surviving are Molly’s brothers, Glenn Gorby and Ted Gorby (Letty), and sister, Shirley Bracelin, all of Allegan. Molly and Lee were well traveled as they were Snowbirds. Their destination every winter was Florida, around the Tampa Bay area. Molly loved fishing while Lee went fishing for men. The girls would visit for a couple weeks to also escape the Michigan winters. In 1972, a dramatic change was made to the Austin property. A built in, cement pool. Every Summer family and friends made great use of the pool. Parties, baptisms and relaxation. It was transformed over the years with big colorful paintings that Molly painted on the bottom. The first was a huge yellow sunflower with a long green stem trailing down into the deep end. When Carrie was big enough, she continued the tradition. The last one is three large black and white angel fish. Many people recount which painting they swam over throughout the years. Molly was a great artist who painted with oils. She followed Bob Ross, the painter and could turn out paintings just as good as he could, although she wouldn’t claim so. She sold some while in Florida, and her home is a gallery of her work. Molly was a member of Allegan Christian Center where she was a matriarch of the congregation. She was very involved in church activities and helped out in the nursery on occasion. She was a spirit-filled, Holy Ghost, tongue talking Christian since the 1970’s.

Lee finally caught up with her when he asked Jesus into his heart and was delivered from alcohol in an instant. They were also very involved in Jay Cee’s, were band parents and many community activities. Molly was also in a bowling league and earned a few trophies. She loved planting and tending to her flowers in the backyard. They were a couple that everyone loved and enjoyed being around. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wings Home of Allegan, 330 Linn St. Molly’s last residence.

A memorial will be held at a later date with more details to follow. Thank you to all who were in this three-week fight with us. Prayers and cards were and are appreciated. She’s with the Lord.

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