It is with sad hearts the family of Barbara Ann Neese, 86 of Cedar, MI, announces her passing on February 15, 2024, peacefully in her sleep with her daughter Julie holding her hand. She had been residing at Effie’s Place in Leland following a stroke the previous July. She was born on April 9, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Arno and Elizabeth (Arens) Rudolph. Barbara pursued higher education after graduating high school, attending Ball State Teachers College.

On June 29, 1957, in Speedway, Indiana, Barbara married the love of her life, Neal Edward Neese, with whom she shared 66 beautiful years of marriage. They were sweethearts in high school and inseparable for all those years, except during deer hunting season when Barbara visited family while Neal sat in the woods of the UP. She was the joy of Neal’s whole life, and together they raised two beautiful daughters. Barbara dedicated her professional life to service, working as a Bell Telephone Company Service Representative for one year. After starting their family Barbara dedicated her time to the girls and their activities serving as a Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader and a volunteer for The March Of Dimes. When she became a grandmother her true talents bloomed. Gramma Neese became the perfect model of a grandmother and loved spending time and doing things with the kids, and they all loved her back just as much. Building puzzles, walking to Lake Michigan on Cooper’s Trail, swimming in Little Traverse Lake, climbing the sand dunes, and going out to eat at the Happy Hour or Boondocks were all things Barbara did with the kids. Every Christmas we all looked forward to her hand decorated cut-out cookies that she guarded and gave out only to the good ‘kids’. Spending time with family was always best with her, but she also enjoyed stamp collecting, rock hunting, crossstitching and watching her favorite soap on TV, The Young and The Restless. Barbara always liked to look her best, had a contagious shinning smile, and looked on the bright side of everything. A kiss on the cheek from family would make her day.

Barbara was a devoted member of the Leland Community United Methodist Church, where she found solace and community. She was also actively involved in the Little Traverse Lake Property Association, contributing to the betterment of her local community.

Barbara leaves behind her beloved husband, Neal Neese; her children, Julie Schubel and Jennifer (Rand) Hruska; her grandchildren, Justin Schubel, Carol Schubel, Joseph (Stacy) Hruska, and Timothy (Maggie) Hruska; and her greatgrandchildren, Jennifer Hruska and Juliette Hruska, and step great grandchildren Ele, Mia, Noah and Logan, and nephews David Blanck and Eric (Gail) Jebsen, along with numerous grand and great grand nephews and nieces.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Arno and Elizabeth Rudolph, her sister, Kathryn Blanck, brother-in-law Ken Blanck, and niece Karen Jebsen.

The funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday March 3, 2024, with the family greeting friends from 12 pm at the Martinson Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at the Cleveland Township Cemetery.

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