TRAVERSE CITY – Barbara Jean Bush, age 88, of Grawn, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Munson Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born on Thursday July 11, 1929 in Traverse City, the daughter of Clarence and Virgie (Heiges) Dunn.
Barbara was a native of Michigan and grew up on a farm located at the corner of Silver Pines and East Silver Lake Road in Traverse City. She attended the Dunn School at the corner of Secor and W. Silver Lake Roads (through sixth grade). The school is still there today.
Barbara attended and graduated from Traverse City High School, where Barb met her husband Robert Dale Bush of Interlochen. Barbara worked at the Traverse City State Bank after graduating. Eventually Bob and Barbara were married on April 9, 1951 and Bob joined the Air Force.
Bob was then stationed in Roswell, New Mexico, where he and Barbara lived while Bob was in the service. After the service, Barbara and Bob moved back to Traverse City, where Barb raised her family and retired from Munson Medical Center after 25 years in the Munson Hospital billing department.
Barbara enjoyed her cat named Kitty, she also enjoyed gardening, particularly flowers, cooking, baking and spending time with her friends and especially her family.
Luncheons at the Gunton Women's Club, Interlochen Women's Club and the Senior Center Luncheons were at the top of Barbara's list of things she liked to do along with the family dinners, cookouts, but most of all she just liked to visit.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; Clarence and Virgie (Heiges) Dunn, husband, Robert D. Bush, brother and sister-in-law; Darwin A. Dunn and Jo Ann Dunn.
Barbara is survived by her four children; Virginia L. Bloxsom of Bruce Township, Jeffrey L. (Mary) Bush of Thompsonville, Jerry A. Bush of Interlochen, and Jason S. Bush of Karlin. Barb is also survived by three grandchildren; Bri Bloxsom of Detroit, Brandon Bloxsom of Brooklyn and Ella Bush of Thompsonville.
A visitation for Barbara will take place from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 3:00 pm with Pastor Christopher Cox officiating. A luncheon will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service. Graveside services will take place in the spring.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Munson Hospice House, 450 Brook Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, Grand Traverse Commission On Aging, 520 W Front Street #B, Traverse City, MI 49684, or the Community Action Agency (Meals on Wheels), 3963 Three Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Munson Hospice House for their excellent and professional service and the care that they gave Barbara.