Mary Ann Barker

Mary Ann Barker, age 85, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 27, 2025, at Munson Hospice House. She loved and was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Mary Ann was born on January 7, 1940, to Ann M. Dowling Feller and David N. Feller in Flint, Michigan. Because her mother did not survive childbirth and her father was in the service, she was first cared for by her maternal grandmother in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. After her grandmother’s death, for the next 6 years of her life, she was loved and cared for by her Aunt Margarette (Aunt Rette) and Uncle William Dowling in Canada. In 1946, she was reunited with her father and stepmother, Laura E. Feller, in Montrose, Michigan, where she lived with 3 stepsisters and eventually a little brother. Growing up in Montrose, she played varsity girls basketball and softball, was a cheerleader and librarian, and played baritone in the high school band. She had many caring teachers that encouraged her to become a teacher herself. Mary earned her degree at Central Michigan University where she majored in physical education and was named Phys Ed major of the year in 1961. She was president of the honorary Phys Ed fraternity Delta Psi Kappa. She minored in political science and for the rest of her life was interested in the politics of the world. A point of personal pride for Mary was that she worked and earned 90% of the cost of her higher education. After graduation, Mary began teaching Phys Ed at North Farmington High School. Later she also taught government and history classes. Mary loved her students and her time teaching, and while in Farmington, sponsored intramural ski and pep clubs and the Pom Pom team, the Raderettes. She also coached gymnastics and cheerleading. Mary choreographed seven Broadway-style high school musicals and many junior high music productions. In 1983, she was named Teacher of the Year at North Farmington High School, and upon retirement in 1991, she was inducted into the Farmington Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame. A time she treasured later in life was reconnecting with 8 of her former students in Traverse City, meeting for monthly luncheons. Mary was married to Eddy E. Ellegood in 1967 until his passing in 1986. She met and then married her soulmate and love of her life, Thomas Trenary Barker on June 14,1990, at the Michigan State Capitol. Tom & Mary moved to beautiful Traverse City in 1991, where they enjoyed 19 wonderful years together until Tom’s passing in 2018. For six years during their early days in Traverse City, Mary worked at the front desk of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, where her welcoming, fun personality greeted and guided visitors. Tom and Mary lived first on the Boardman River and in 2010 moved to The Crown in Traverse City, where they had many cherished friends. Their house was always open to family and friends. Mary’s love of games, laughter, and adventure leaves many happy memories in the hearts of those who loved her. Mary was always up for an adventure, whether to go to lunch or to go to Disneyland. She loved traveling, especially to spend time with family and friends. Mary lived her life with a huge loving heart, she viewed every person as a potential friend, had a hug for everyone, and chose to look for the best in those she loved and whatever life sent her way. Mary is survived by her stepchildren James L. (Marene) Barker, Kathy L. Barker, Debra A. Spence, and Mary M. (Kenneth) Darcey; grandchildren Lauren J. Barker, Cassie I. Spoor, Heather M. Spence, Rachael A. Fox, and Kenneth and Jacob Darcey; great-grandchildren James, Kellan, and Abott Barker, Spence and Jaxson Lewis, Matthew and Gavin Fox; sister Laura E. McGregor; brother David E. (Sue) Feller; her sister-in law Julie A. (Edward) Wood; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her parents, and her sisters Doris K. Allen and Lu Belows. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral will follow on Saturday, May 3, at 11 am with visitation beginning one hour prior also at the funeral home. Graveside services will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Please consider a donation to the The ALS Association in lieu of flowers in Mary's name. Thank you.

Mary Ann Barker

January 7, 1940 - March 27, 2025