Barbara Ruth Bloomer

Barbara (Barb) Ruth Bloomer (nee Borst) passed away on May 15, 2026 in Traverse City, MI. She was 93 years old. Her daughters, Ruth, Judy and Diane, were at her side during her passing.

Barb was born in Buchanan, MI on June 4, 1932 to Evelyn and Laurence Borst (deceased), the second of three children. Barb loved to learn and earned her bachelors and two master’s degrees in Education and Counseling from Michigan State University. She passed that love of learning to her daughters. Barb taught elementary school in the Grand Ledge School district and retired from the school district as a high school guidance counselor. She had a passion for learning, teaching and helping. She was an advocate for her students and worked with many at- risk students.

Barb was a fierce advocate for human rights. She was one of the founding members of the National Organization for Women (NOW) chapter in Lansing, MI and marched in demonstrations for women’s rights with her daughters and others. She didn’t just THINK about things – she ACTED! When she retired and moved to Traverse City, she continued volunteering for causes that mattered to her.

Barb was adventurous: she loved the great outdoors and traveling, both in the US and abroad. At one point, she and a friend DROVE to Alaska, camping along the way, and exploring Alaska upon arrival. For her 65th birthday, she went parasailing as her birthday gift to herself and loved every second of it. She rarely said no to any adventure!

Your greatest gift to Barb will be your memories of her. Remember Barb for her wit, passion, joy of life and commitment to others – she was one of a kind. She showed genuine interest in everyone and made friends everywhere she went. The family requests everyone who knew Barb and was touched by her, to pay it forward - - volunteer, listen, write letters, advocate, educate yourself and others, call congresspeople, protest, make your voice heard…you know she would love it! When in doubt, just think - - “What would Barb do?” Raise a toast to her whenever you feel like it - - she would like that too.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Ruth Bloomer (Fred Shipman), Judy Bloomer (Jeff Walters) and Diane Bloomer; grandsons, Sam Shipman (Mo Stych) and John Walters. She also had two adorable great granddaughters, Sloane and Fia. In addition to her immediate family, she had numerous nieces and nephews who loved her. With Barb being who she was, she also had numerous “adopted” daughters, sons, grandchildren, etc. who also loved her well.

The family would like to thank the staff of Bay Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care for the wonderful, loving care they bestowed upon Barb. She loved them; her daughters do too.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Barb’s honor, to the Women’s Resource Center – TC (www.womensresourcecenter.org or 720 S. Elmwood, Ste. 2; Traverse City, MI 49684) or Planned Parenthood (www.weareplannedparenthood.org).

Cremation has occurred. No memorial service or celebration of life has been scheduled at this time. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com