Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Barbara was a proud graduate of Western Michigan University. She dedicated many years of her life to teaching elementary school in Traverse City, where she touched the lives of countless students with her kindness, patience, and deep love of learning.

In her retirement, Barbara made her home in Glen Arbor, where she fully embraced the natural beauty of northern Michigan. She found great joy at Fisher Lake, spending her days kayaking, swimming, and biking around the circle. She cherished her beloved dog, Grace, as well as life’s simple pleasures and the close-knit neighbors she called home. She had a great laugh and was always ready for an adventure!

Barb was preceded in death by her father, Russell Smith Sr.; her mother, May Kathleen Damery; her sisters, Marilou Harris and Bonnie Spears; her brother, Russell Smith Jr.; her niece, Karen Harris; Stacey Spears and her great-nephew, Michael Lawrence.

She is lovingly remembered by her Died March 26, 2026

nieces and nephews: Julie Stapnowski (husband Keith; children Michael, Madelyn, and Collin), Steve Harris (wife Shirlisa; children Shireena Bennett, Steven, Scott and Shelby), Thomas Spears (children Lauren Bailey, Taylor, Dane, and Brittany), Robert Spears (children Connor, Brooklyn, Cody, and Breana Morris), Bryan Smith (Penny and Ethan Kawakami), Jody Gritter (husband Joel; children Mitchell Lawrence, Colin, and Grace), Shanna Ax (husband Steven; children Tyler and Timothy), and Kristen Bechler (husband Tony; children Brook Barba and Britta) and many great nieces and nephews.

Barb will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her devotion to her dogs, students and family, and her deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her.

In lieu of a funeral, charitable donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or Empire Methodist Church in her honor. A summer gathering will be planned for honoring/celebrating Barb’s life.

Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.