Barbara Good

Barbara Anne Good, 88, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026 at Orchard Creek with her beloved family by her side.

Barb was born on March 11, 1938 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Herman and Anna (Christman) Waechter. She attended John Adams high school in South Bend. During those years, she was very active in gymnastics at the Turner Club earning many blue ribbons.

After high school, she attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, graduating in 3 years with honors. With her degree in elementary education, and love for adventure, she travelled to California to teach kindergarten at Walt Disney School in Anaheim outside Disney Land Park.

After 3 years, she was lured back to Indiana by the love of her life, Don Good, to eventually marry him during his 3rd year of medical school. They were married February 23,1963 in South Bend. They began their family at the end of medical school. Karen was born in Indianapolis. After medical school, the family went back to South Bend where Don served one year Internship. At the end of that year, Timothy was born.

In July of 1965, the young family packed up and moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana where Don served 2 years in the Army. While there, number 3 child, Kathryn was born. In 1967, with 3 young ones, the family moved back to Indianapolis where Don did 4 years of residency. During that time number 4 child, Kristin was born. Thus completed the love and devotion for the rest of her life-her family.

Barb was a devoted wife, mom and grandma. She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher retiring in 1986. Following her retirement she enjoyed playing tennis, pickleball and bridge. She also loved to travel to Florida with her girlfriends every Fall for a lot of years. Her faith was an integral part of her life as she was a long time member of First Congregational Church [ now known as Mission Hill Church ] where she set up communion, chaired the scholarship awards, and assisted the Pastor with new members for many years. Above all else she will be remembered for her love for family, her kind smile and her big heart.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Robert and John Waechter, and sister-in-law Patricia Reimnitz.

Barb is survived by her devoted Husband Dr. Don of 63 years; their children Karen (Rex) Rudolph, Timothy (Amy) Good, Kathryn { Shawn } Zipser and Kristin Good {Dale Jackson}; grandchildren Michael, Betsy, Jonathon, Ashleigh, Madelyn, Lillian, Spencer, Kate, Allison and Matthew, Baille and Peyton; great grandchildren Ruby, Dottie, Olivia and Oliver.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Orchard Creek Memory Care for their companionate and professional care for the 3 years that she was there; and Heartland Hospice, especially Hannah and Amy for their care and support for Barbara and Don.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on September 12, 2026 at 11 am at Mission Hill Church. Visitation will begin at 10 am. She will be laid to rest in the church Garden of Remembrance.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Mission Hill Church.