of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Howard City, Michigan, age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born August 13, 1931 in Howard City, Michigan, the daughter of Reynold & Ella (Gilson) Gondre. Barb had lived in Silver Maples for two years, coming from Howard City. She graduated from Howard City Community High School in 1949, and she still had strong connections to her graduating class. When Barbara was raising her children she attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pendleton, NY. She was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church in Pierson MI, and most recently attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea.
Barbara loved her husband and children, and was very involved with her extended family in Howard City. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, cooking, her sister Vera’s river bank, and playing cards (and having a “spirited” game).
In 1955, she married Ralph Charles Gentz in Howard City, and he preceded her in death in 1988. She is survived by her son, Steve (Judy) Gentz of Grass Lake; her daughters, Karen (Ken) Hannah of Newfane, NY, Cheryl Borner of Pendelton, NY; a brother, Max Gondre of Howard City; 7 grandchildren, Rachel, Jared, Ashley, Chris, Erin, Nicole, Michael; one great-grandchild, Beck; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dave Borner, a grandson, Joel Gentz, and 5 siblings.
A memorial service was be held Sunday, December 13, 2015, 3:00 pm at Heckman Funeral Home in Howard City MI, with Steve Weinberger officiating. Burial was at Reynolds Township Cemetery.
A celebration service will be held Sunday, May 29, 2016, 1:30pm at Silver Maples of Chelsea. The celebration of her life will be followed by a tree planting and reception.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 E Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.