Barbara Skelding

Barbara Skelding aged 83 passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, in Grand Rapids.  Barbara was born February 27, 1935 to Frank and Dora Brock.  After Barbara graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, MI, she began her modeling career.  She modeled for both artists and multiple retailers.  She married and had five children and continued modeling while being a busy homemaker.  In the early 1970’s while living in East Grand Rapids, Barb started a men’s neck tie business that was featured in the Grand Rapids Press.  At her peak, she was making over 30 ties per day and selling them to local businesses and business men.  Barbie’s Ties was a real success.  After divorcing, Barb decided she needed a change of scenery and moved her and her youngest son to Glendale, AZ.   She held various jobs in bookkeeping and reception.  Once her youngest graduated high school, she moved to Scottsdale, AZ and worked in admission at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital for many years.   She then traveled and lived close to her kids in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania before returning to Grand Rapids.  Even though Barb was getting up there in age, she worked well into her 70’s in many positions at Walmart.  Barb was always a dog lover.  With the kids, she had Betsy, Muffin, and Abby.  Then she discovered her love of toy poodles.  She gave great lives to Sissy, Teddy, Freddy & Paddy.  She is survived by Paddy, who currently resides with her daughter.  Barb was a character.  She was a very independent woman, who had no trouble standing up for herself and anyone else she thought was wronged.  She was a smart and sassy lady with a spirit of generosity and caring.   Barb was fun loving and always ready to have a good time.  She made many friends through-out her life and was very diligent to keep in touch regardless of the miles that separated them.  Barb was a powerful force in many people’s lives and her passing will leave a noticeable void. We will miss her dearly.  Surviving are her five children, Debra Skelding of Oak Creek, WI, Cathy Fagan of Hickory, N.C., Robert Skelding of Lake View, OR, Sue Skelding of Troy, AL, and Jim Skelding of Austin, TX; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; her sister, Lilian and many other relatives.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Metcalf & Johkhoff Chapel where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.  In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place. 

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