Barbara Jane McKim, 98, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, just a few days shy of her 99th birthday.

Born on July 2, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Dora (Froelich) VanDusen. She graduated from The Redford High School in 1944. In High school she met and fell in love Wallace "Wally" McKim. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2011. Wally affectionately called her his "Duchess," a term that epitomized the love and respect they had for each other. Barbara missed him dearly every day since his passing.

Barbara and Wally lovingly raised three wonderful children. As a proud homemaker, Barbara was the heart and soul of her family. In her younger years, she was known as the "neighborhood mom" and was affectionately referred to as a "hummingbird" because she always knew where all the neighborhood children were and what was going on. She looked out for them and loved each one as her own.

After Wally's retirement from his communications role at the Detroit Police Headquarters, the family moved to Indiana and later returned to Detroit before finally settling in Traverse City.

Barbara was an avid fan of the television show General Hospital, making sure to watch it every day. Her passion for the show was a testament to her vibrant personality and dedication to the things she loved. She also found joy in visiting the casino and playing penny slots.

Barbara will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Garry) Crellin; grandchildren, Carrie (Christopher) Hahn, Scott (Aisha) Crellin, John McKim, Lisa (Shawn) Carr, Jennifer (Jim) Troeger and Todd McKim; and 10 great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She is preceded death by her parents; her husband Wally, her sons, Kenneth McKim and Michael McKim

A private family gathering will take place at a later time. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with her family . Her family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.