TRAVERSE CITY —
Barbara Davina Stoye, 87, of Traverse City and formerly of the Detroit area, passed away Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at her home on Old Mission Peninsula, with her family by her side. Barbara was born on May 15, 1923, in Detroit, the daughter of the late George F. and Barbara W. (Leadbetter) James.
Barbara grew up in Detroit but lost her father at the age of 10. She attended and graduated from Cooley High School. After attending Wayne State University, Barbara entered Grace Hospital School of Nursing.
While at Grace, she met Frederick Deckert Stoye. The two were fixed up on a blind date, which was Valentine's Day 1943. They were married on June 29, 1946, after Frederick graduated from the University of Detroit Dental School. After opening his dental practice in Detroit, their first child was born, Laura C. Stoye. She preceded Barbara in death on Feb. 15, 1991.
Raising their family (Laura and later their son, Fred D. Stoye Jr.) in Detroit and eventually in Lathrup Village, Barbara worked the local election, belonged to the Lathrup Supper Club and volunteered at Beaumont Hospital. As members of the Nomads Travel Club, Barbara and Fred loved to travel. They logged many miles and saw many wonderful sites around the world.
Her other joy was spending summers at the family cottage at Higgins Lake. Whether entertaining friends or spoiling her grandchildren, she and her husband, Fred had many wonderful summers at the lake.
Moving to Traverse City after retiring, she became involved with The Father Fred Foundation, working many years in the pantry. Barbara also worked closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Traverse City, was a member of the P.E.O. Woman's Organization, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
She will be greatly missed by her husband of almost 65 years Frederick D. Stoye, D.D.S.; her son, Fred D. Stoye Jr., D.D.S., and his wife, Deborah; her five grandchildren, Matthew (Kelly) Cushman, Emily S. Stoye, Grant F. (Lydia) Stoye, Jonathan P. Stoye and Ellen E. (Chris) Phillips; one great-grandchild, Olivia S. Cushman, with one on the way and due to arrive to Ellen and Chris Phillips in April; her sister-in-law, Mary Stoye; six nieces and nephews; as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura; her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Harry S. (Helen) James; and a brother-in-law, Walter Stoye.
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 3 until 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, also at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with the Rev. Becky Chamberlain officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Father Fred Foundation or the Higgins Lake Foundation.
Please share memories with the family at Barbara's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.