Barbara Jean (Mangun) Raby

Barbara M. Raby, age 83, of Cascade passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2018 with her children by her side.  Barbara grew up in Wakarusa, Indiana and attended Ohio Wesleyan University, earning a degree in dietetics.   She worked at the Duke University Hospital in North Carolina, University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor, and Mary Free Bed Hospital in Grand Rapids, eventually retiring to raise her family.  After her children were grown she obtained her contractor’s license and began a second career building custom homes.

Barbara was passionate about family and community.  She was a long time docent at Meijer Gardens, and after retiring from that began tutoring adults in English as a second language.  She loved horses and participated in training and riding for many years.  She was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority group in Grand Rapids, and played bridge weekly.  She was a lifelong learner, taking college courses throughout her adulthood to improve her skills or pursue a goal. And she loved to travel, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, China and Africa after retirement.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Claude “Pete” Raby, sister Marilyn Garnand and brother Tom Mangun.  She is survived by her children Debbie (Jay) Austin and Phil (Kathy) Raby, grandchildren Ashley and Alex Austin , and Sean and Catilin Raby, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Chapel from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday September 16th.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, September 17 with visitation one hour before and a luncheon following at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church,  7495 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  A private interment will be held at a later date.

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