Barbara Gene Wellman

Barbara Gene Wellman, age 95, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away peacefully September 21, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born October 18, 1930, in Ada, Michigan, to Harry Howard Spidell and Helen Esther (Baker) Spidell.

Barb married Wayne Wellman in 1949. They lived on their farm for 69 years where they farmed the land and took care of her beloved cows. She retired from Flexfab after 36 years, working into her 70s. She took pride in cooking, her many gardens, and hosting family dinners where everyone was welcome and no one ever left hungry.

Barbara was more than just a mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was the heart of her family—the glue that held everyone together. Her love, strength, wisdom, and presence brought generations of her family together. She was proud to have 5 generations in her house for 15 years. Her memory will live on through each of them.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered by her family and all who knew her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Wayne, her parents and siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Ester (Jeff) Lambert and Vinita (Jim) Scheib; her grandchildren, Barbie (Johnnie) Stayton, Scott Sinclair, Steven Lambert, and Jason (Neisha) Mead. Great-grandchildren, Lacey, Shelby (Kasey), Jaedyn, Travin, Kylee, Dalton, Samantha, Tristan, Stetson, Nova and her great-great-grandchildren, Colton, Madalynn, Krew, Kash, Daxton, Arthur, Eleanor, and Odette, and many others that called her grandma.

Services will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway St., Hastings. Visitation is Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral service is Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior, followed by a luncheon at the funeral home and then interment at Rutland Township Cemetery. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.