Barbara (Barb) May Walsh, 80, of Traverse City, Michigan, joined her loved ones in heaven on
Thursday, June 1st, 2017.
Barb was born July 25, 1936, in Richland, MO. She was the daughter of John Kelvin and Lucy
Pearl Brendel. She graduated in 1954 from Lebanon, MO then joined the Navy in 1955 and
became an NM3. She served for 19 months in San Diego California at USNH. There she met
her husband, Thomas David Walsh, and they married on November 3rd, 1956. Together they
welcomed four beautiful children, Vicki, Thomas, Kimberly and Amy and made their home in
Traverse City in 1968.
Throughout her life she spread her talents amongst the school system, McDonald's, volunteer
roles and other adventures but her greatest joy was going to her children's and grandchildren's
events. She was everyone's cheerleader and had her cowbell ringing in support. She was an
active bowler for over 40 years, and a league secretary for over 30 years.
She enjoyed the time with her knitting groups where there was much laughing, eating, and special projects; her perfect combination. She was an active volunteer for the last seven years with Silver Lake Elementary where she spent precious time with students and staff.
She is survived by her four children, Vicki Oxley, Thomas Walsh Jr., Kimberly (David) Little and
Amy (Mark) Rickenberg; her grandchildren, Ryan Walsh, Tyler Spagnuolo, Nichole (Shane)
Dilloway, Karli Wheelock, Lucas Little, Alexandra Little, Kara Rickenberg and Andrew
Rickenberg; her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Bendig, Trenton Williams, Arris Spagnuolo and
Bennett Dilloway; her siblings, John (Jean) Brendel, Lee Bill (Peggy) Brendel, Kerry (Cindy)
Brendel, Bess (Robert) Moen, and Rod (Pam) Brendel and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Kelvin and Lucy Pearl Brendel, the father of
her children, Thomas Walsh Sr., and her son-in-law CJ Oxley.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 8th, 2017 from 5pm-7pm and Friday, June 9th, 2017 from
10am-11am. Her Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 9th, 2017 at 11am. Both will be at
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Barbara was an exceptional individual who made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She found the good in all and lived life to it's very fullest. Her greatest gifts were her children and grandchildren and she will continue to live on through each of them. We will all miss her beautiful soul.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in her honor.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share a memory with the family.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.