CEDAR – Barbara Helen Flores, 84, of Cedar, Michigan passed away Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Medilodge of Traverse City with family at her side.

Barbara was born September 16, 1939 in Traverse City, Michigan, the daughter of Boneslaus and Frances (Sharnowski) Rice.

Barbara met the love of her life while working on her family’s strawberry farm. On July 25, 1959 at Holy Rosary Church of Isadore she married and is survived by her husband of 64 years, Roque “Rocky” Flores.

Barbara and her husband, Roque, ran Rocky’s Upholstery Shop in Cedar for many decades. A woman of many talents, she handled the finances of the upholstery business and managed the books for her brother Frank Rice’s fruit farming operation. When needed she would work alongside her husband in the shop sewing and repairing cherry tarps during the busy seasons.

Her real gift was managing her household and raising seven boys that made her proud. Barb was C.E.O of the Flores household. She was a great cook and her kitchen was a hub of activity filled with family, friends and food. All were welcome and the table was often expanded to include several neighborhood boys. The family fondly remembers her cooking and baking skills with a specialty in homemade pies. Barbara always put others before herself. It was common during family dinners for her to remain standing as she was checking on family and guests making sure one would never leave hungry. This is what brought her joy.

Roque and Barbara loved to Polka. More than just the Cedar Polka Festival, they would travel across Michigan to various polka gatherings. Barb and Roque had a group of friends lovingly called the “Wow Bunch” and they would attend polka events as a large fun-loving gang.

In Barbara’s later years, you would often see her enjoying her grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Barb was a lady of faith who treasured her church family. She was a longtime parishioner of Holy Rosary Church. Her dedication and commitment to the church and related events was evidenced by her involvement in funeral luncheons and the annual parish Chicken Dinner, where she provided her special touch to the dinner stuffing.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Roque, her seven sons, Rocky D. Flores, Gilbert Flores, Gary ( Judy) Flores, Robert (Susan) Flores, Richard (Tammy) Flores, James (Tina) Flores, Steven (Tanya) Flores; her grandchildren, Breanna and Tyler Flores, Brooke (Aaron) Kubert, Shelby (Nicholas) Teeter, Chelsey ( Jason) Skowronski, Brandon and Alex Flores, Ella Flores, Ryan, Paige and Avery Flores and three great grandchildren, Roman, James and Leo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Clara (Theodore) Kabot, Susan (Edmund) Kabat, Rita (Edmund) Darga, Raymond Rice, Frank Rice, and John Rice in infancy.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Medilodge for their excellent care. They would also like to thank Ray and Marge Pleva and all who took time to visit with her.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 9th with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church of Cedar. The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10th with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m., also at the church. Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will be held at a later date. Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church 6982 S. Schomberg Road Cedar, MI 49621.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau..