Barbara Bennett

Barbara “Barb” Bennett was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away, surrounded by family, on September 2, 2024, at the age of 88.

Barb was born December 28th, 1935 to Lucille and Arnold McKey on the west side of Grand Rapids. She attended Union High School and later Michigan State University, where she reconnected with her husband, James Bennett. They were married in 1965 and raised three wonderful daughters.

From teaching to sewing, Barb kept busy with countless passions and projects. She spent many years as an interior designer, but her real life’s work was her family. 

Barb is survived by her three daughters Julie (Tom) Billups, Leigh (Ed) Washabaugh, Kate (Pete) Orr; grandchildren Bennett (Grace) Washabaugh, Peter (Katie) Washabaugh, Polly Washabaugh, Amanda (James) Bell, Nick Orr (Erin Zettell), Casey Orr, Tucker (Rachel) Billups, Griffin Billups, Maddie (Hunter) Brander; great-grandchildren James, Leigh, Brynn, Ollie, Gordie, Dash and Wendy; her brother, Ron McKey, and her sister, Judy Koster. 

She is preceded in death by her mom and dad, Arnold and Lucille McKey, and her husband James Bennett. 

The family celebrated her life and put her to rest in a private ceremony and burial.

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