Barbara Jean (Dreves) Harty, 86, a Traverse City native, died following many years of faithfully enduring Macular Degeneration and Parkinson's Disease on Thursday, afternoon February 14, 2019, at Munson Medical Center. Barbara was born on October 12, 1932, in Traverse City, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Margaretta (Snyder) Dreves. On August 28, 1954, at St. Francis Catholic Church, she married Charles Walter Harty, he preceded her in death and welcomed her home with open arms. Barbara retired from Traverse City Area Public Schools in 1986 after serving in the food service department for 25 years.
She was a lifetime member of St. Francis Catholic Church, regularly attending the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday afternoon. Barbara loved her church and supported it in a variety of ways including serving on the Funeral Meals Group as well as supporting her husband's many roles in the Knights of Columbus.
She enjoyed traveling, visiting casinos and gardening. Her greatest devotion was to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her biggest joy came in feeding these people.
Barb is survived by her children; Janet Riskey, Robert Harty and Nancy (Charles) Hathaway, all of Traverse City, four grandchildren; Amanda (Sam) Goodrich, Anthony Riskey, Charlie (Kelsey) Hathaway and Jennifer (Jason) Budde, six great-grandchildren; Maci Hathaway, Keagan Hathaway, Kenzie Hathaway, Theryn Goodrich, Chase Budde, and Verse Goodrich. Also surviving are a brother, Frederick (Julie) Dreves, three sisters-in-law; Helen (Gordon) Wheeler, Phillis (Russell) Mowen and Lucy Harty, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Round and a brother, Carl Dreves, Jr.
Friends are welcome to visit with Barb's family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Fr. Don Geyman will officiate. Burial of Barbara's cremated remains will follow in Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Father Fred Foundation.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Barb's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.