Barbara Jane (Barnum) Lyon, 84, passed away peacefully at Autumn House, previously Samaritas Senior Living in Acme, Michigan, surrounded by love.

Born on February 10, 1942, in Union City, Indiana, to the late Ruby Amber (Miller) and Forey Barnum, Barbara grew up spending summers at the family cabin in Lewiston, Michigan, where she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. She graduated from Mississinawa Valley High School and went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, earning her degree in elementary education in 1964. She later obtained her master’s degree in education from Michigan State University.

Barbara began her teaching career in Traverse City, Michigan, at Traverse Heights Elementary. In 1966, she married Thomas W. Lyon and moved to Saginaw, where she taught in the Saginaw Township Public Schools for the remainder of her 30-year career. Barbara was a gifted teacher who touched the lives of countless students with her patience, creativity, and passion for learning.

In the late 1970s, she took a three-year leave of absence to join Tom on a major construction project in Spain, which she fondly remembered as a time of exploration, friendship, and adventure. After retiring in 1976, Barbara and Tom built their dream home in Elk Rapids, Michigan, with their own hands, living there until 2020.

While in Elk Rapids, Barbara became a Master Gardener and served as captain for one of the downtown gardens, where her green thumb and artistic eye brought joy to the community. Whether she was tending to her flowers, swimming, skiing, or simply enjoying the sunshine, Barbara was happiest outdoors.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom, who will miss her every day and cherishes her as his “special angel.”

Barbara’s life will be remembered in a private family gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.