Barbara Louise (Koblick) Myers

Barbara Louise (Koblick) Myers, age 84, of Harrison, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, Michigan. Barbara was born January 31, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George Paul Koblick and Opal Goldie (Wilkerson) Koblick. Barbara graduated from Washington-Clay High School in South Bend in 1956 after her family's move from the south side of Chicago.

Barbara loved her childhood, and was busy in Music, Dramatics, Booster Club, and Art. Her high school ambition was to become the first woman President of the U.S. She attended Indiana University after HS, and got her Associate's Degree in Applied Science from Southwestern Michigan College when her eldest also graduated college in 1981.

Barbara was united in marriage to James Edward Myers on August 23, 1958 in South Bend. She was quite close to Jim's parents, Mary Ellen (Glavin) and Philip Rosser Myers, and cared for Phil in his later years.

She raised her family on Garver Lake in Edwardsburg, MI where she enjoyed gardening, walking, swimming, boating, spending me with family, and spoiling her dogs. Nana, as "Mrs. Bloom," hosted many a tea party for her beloved grand kids. Mom was in Administration at Riblets Products, Elkhart Door, and retired from Madison Center. She also worked with Dad at Interface Concepts for many years.

Mom and Dad enjoyed forty-five years of marriage, until Dad preceded her in death on March 23, 2003. Surviving Barbara are her three loving daughters: Patricia Myers Kardia, Michele Myers, and Stephanie Wagoner (Gordon), five grandchildren: Gabriel Kardia, Heather Duke, Brittney Thoele, Emily Milliken (Trevor), and Andrea Baldwin (Mahew), two siblings: Phyllis Pagacz and Ron Koblick (Darlene), plus numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and her beloved dog, Peaches. She also leaves behind Don Groch, her friend, bridge partner, and lighthousing companion. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Delores Freiberg.

Nana was an avid Bridge player: she, Bev, Phyllis, Mary Ann, and Georgia played together for more than 50 years. She also played at the South Bend Bridge Club, earning her Life Master's in 2008. Barb was an artist, and her children and grandchildren all have many of the watercolor paintings she completed over the years.

She and Jim loved to dance, and her daughters (and granddaughters) also love to dance. She made clothing for the girls when they were younger, as well as other crafts including upholstery, embroidery, and crosstitch.

Barb spent many years traveling with her friends and family, and enjoyed trips to Africa, Ireland, Italy, Japan, London, and elsewhere. She particularly enjoyed visiting lighthouses and was a member of both the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and the New England Lighthouse Lovers club and helped maintain and fund-raise for them. Nana moved to Harrison full-time in 2021, but had lived part-time or visited Harrison since 1964, staying with family at the rustic cabin, her "happy place."

Celebration of Life services will be privately held at a later date. To share an online memory or condolence with Barbara's family, please visit: clarkstocking.com. Arrangements and care of Barbara and her family are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service in Harrison 989/539-7810.

Posted online on May 26, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

05/26/2023 EJS