Barbara's life began March 12, 1938 in Sodus, Michigan and spent most of her lifetime in Southwest Michigan, graduating from Benton Harbor High School.  In 1952 Barbara's brother introduced her to Leonard Flagel, they married four years later and were blessed with 62 years of happiness.  Barbara worked as a clerk for Michigan Bell, First Union Church, and Clark Township, but her favorite "Job" was taking care of her family.  She loved to travel, birdwatching, knitting, and needlework.  Two of her favorite places were the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina and spending time along her little part of Lake Superior.

Barbara's greatest joy was her loving family, which includes: her husband Leonard; four children Kathy Flagel, Betty (Andrew) Grootendorst, Jennifer (Chris) Griffen, and Jean McCannn; ten grandchildren Adam (Mary) Boike, Elizabeth Grootendorst, Adeline Grootendorst, Hannah (John) Jacobs, Erin (Chris) Bindschatel, Corey (Kandice) Killingbeck, Bailey McCann, Carter McCann,  Regan McCann and Katie Griffen; seven great grandchildren; a brother Lynn (Donna) Howard; two sisters Judith (Howard) Herman and Betty (Tom) Mueller; many nieces and nephews; and her cat Fred.

Barbara died Saturday, December 29, at her home in Brimley, Michigan.  Her parents Albert and Irma Howard and a brother Glenn Howard precedes Barbara in death.  Friends may visit with Barbara's family Friday, January 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet, MI where funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, January 5, at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens.  Memorials may be made in Barbara's memory to Chippewa County Hospice.  You are invited to leave a message of comfort by clicking the tab on this page.

Chippewa County Hospice
508 Ashmun, Sault Ste. Marie MI 49783