Barbara Jean Arnell

SUTTONS BAY - Barbara Jean Arnell, 80, of Traverse City passed away on April 24, 2013 at Tendercare Health Center of Leelanau. Barbara Jean Anderson was born on May 4, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Mels R. and Myrtle (Bringedahl) Anderson. She married Lester Calvin Arnell, Jr. on August 18, 1984 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on November 23, 2010. Barbara had been employed as a Supervisor with AAA Insurance in Traverse City. She was a member of First Congregational Church. She served on the Church Board at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years. Barb was also involved with young people of the community through her help with Special Kids Olympics and as youth group leader at Grace Episcopal Church. Barb and Les were very involved in the National Cherry Festival. Barb volunteered with Les in his duties as festival President and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. They truly loved interacting with others at festival time. Barb loved to travel, included cruising. She enjoyed visiting Lake Havasu, AZ, Las Vegas, NV as well as the Bahamas and St. Thomas. Barb will be most fondly be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother and sister. Surviving are children; Vicki (Brian) Howard of Ypsilanti, Sue (Craig) Antoine of Petoskey, Andrew Devantier of Traverse City, step-children; Leslie Arnell of Lansing, Paul Arnell of Chicago, and Amy Arnell of Anna Marie Island, FL, grandchildren; Susan Antoine, C.J. Antoine, Robert Antoine, Matthew Devantier and Zac Devantier; one step-grandchild, Caitlin; three great-grandchildren Anne, Theresa and David; a brother, James (Liz) Anderson of Leelanau County. Also surviving are her first husband, Franz C. Devantier, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Larry Anderson. A Memorial Service honoring Barbara will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2013 at First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Rd., Traverse City, 49686. Rev. Dr. David Walls will officiate. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In accordance with Barb’s wishes cremation has taken place. Burial will take place in First Congregational Church, Garden of Remembrance. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cherry Festival Foundation in care of the National Cherry Festival, 250 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or to First Congregational Church. Please feel free to share your memories with Barb’s family at her guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Barbara Jean Arnell

May 4, 1932 - April 24, 2013