Barbara Marion Burkholder

Barbara Marion Burkholder, age 84 of Hastings passed away at her home on Sunday August 9, 2009.\r

She was born in Troy, New York the daughter of Robert and Agnes (Coates) Shannon. Barbara attended school in Hudson New York before coming to Hastings. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1943 and went on to Western Michigan University where she received her teaching degree. \r

Barbara taught school in Albion and then in Hastings for 27 years where she retired in 1985. \r

Barbara began her next career as a volunteer. She continued her connection with Hastings Area Schools as a coordinator for Northeastern's Birthday Club as well as the coordinator of Pennock Hospital tours for area second graders. Barbara was actively involved with Pennock Hospital where she was recently recognized for serving 4500 hours as a volunteer. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings serving as former Sunday School teacher. She was a member of Presbyterian Women and served on several committees. In recognition for the volunteer hours she gave to her community, Barbara was awarded the Book of Golden Deeds award in 2003 by the Exchange Club of Hastings.\r

Barbara loved being with friends; traveling, playing golf, and playing Bridge and MahJong. Her greatest love was her family with whom she took great pride, being an active part in her husband's, children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's lives.\r

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joseph V. Burkholder of Hastings, her daughters Nancy (William) Bradley of Hastings, Robin (Martin) Hawthorne of Hastings, grandchildren Matthew (Beth) Bradley of Zeeland, Erin Bradley of Denver, Colorado, Tami (Lee) Kyle of Nashville, Chris (Kikki) Hawthorne of Hastings, Shannon Hawthorne of Hastings, Shawn Hawthorne of Hastings, 5 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. \r

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Agnes Shannon and her great-grandchild Christopher.\r

Memorials can be made to the Hastings First Presbyterian Church or The Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation.\r

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Thursday August 13, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, with Rev. Willard H. Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Rutland Twp. Cemetery.\r

Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).\r