Barbara Jeanne Werle

June 25, 1934 - March 23, 2018

Barbara Jeanne Werle, 83, of Traverse City passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 at Water’s Edge Assisted Living with her children at her side. Barbara was born on June 25, 1934 to Albert and Carol (Young) Dixon in Port Huron, MI. She attended Beloit College in Beloit, WI where she studied biology. Barbara was easy going, down to earth and had a wonderful sense of humor. She nurtured four independent children. She was not a meddler in her children’s lives, but a quiet observer who took pride in their lives and deeply appreciated the time they shared with her. She loved the outdoors, the arts and her children. She enjoyed hiking, camping, swimming and collecting rocks in Michigan, Florida and Arizona. She had a rock garden she created filled with puddingstone, amethyst and many other rocks she collected throughout her life. She was very creative and dabbled in stained glass, jewelry making, picture framing, oil and water painting. Surviving Barb are her children; Calla (Douglas Turrill) Werle, Ken (Ann) Werle, G. Adam (Nancy) Werle and Suzanne Trahan; grandchildren McKenna Turrill, Collen (Aaron) Kolacz, Danielle (Fiance Kellen King) Werle, Matthew Werle, Tyler Trahan and Jennifer Trahan; sisters June Saunders and Sarah ‘Sally’ McNinch; and many other loving family members and friends. Barb is preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter Claire Scout Turrill; brother-in-law James Saunders and Harold McNinch. A family graveside service will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron, MI. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy, P.O. Box 973, Fenton, MI. 48430.