Barb was born on July 21, 1936, to Audrienne and Walton Straub in Detroit. She was raised by her grandparents, John and Emma Chandler, and spent her younger days growing up on their farm with her favorite pet cow, Pansy. She moved to Detroit with her grandma after her grandfather’s passing.
Barb attended Mumford High School, where she met her future husband of 67 years, Donald. Barb and Don married in 1956 and started their life together in Detroit, where they welcomed 3 children, Teri, Donald, and Pamela. She worked in the medical field as both an assistant and receptionist until she retired. After retirement, her strong work ethic would not let her sit still and she kept working cleaning houses until she was 80 years old.
Starting at a young age, she spent her life as an active member of The Royal Oak Salvation Army. She was a longtime leader in the children and youth programs and especially enjoyed bringing her kids and her grandkids there to know God. She enjoyed several hobbies, including showing her Chow Chows in dog shows with Don. She loved all animals, especially dogs. She also loved antiquing.
Barb was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don who passed away just 6 months before her. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Emma Chandler, her parents Walton Straub and Adrienne Smith, as well as her sister, Donna Shawkey, and brother Robert Farnwalt.
Barbara is survived by her children Teri (Billy) Palmer – who passed 2 days after Barbara, Donnie (Becky) Bowman, and Pamela (Paul) Antior. She was the best grandma to her grandchildren, Jade, Renee (Travis) Lark, Paige (Ryan) Martinek, Nikki (Nick) Beauchemin, Ray Sivek, Courtney (Mike) Harris, and David Antior. She was a proud great-grandma to Nick, Will, Ava, Cyrus, Abel, Jack, Maisie, Cole, Ben, Autumn, Olivia, Mila, and Millie.
She is also survived by her younger brothers, John (Candy) Straub and Art (Marianne) Straub, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Barbara and her daughter Teri’s lives will be celebrated on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Royal Oak Salvation Army 3015 N. Main St. Royal Oak, MI. Visitation will be at 2:00, followed by a service at 3:00.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barb's memory to The Royal Oak Salvation Army youth program.
