Barbara Joyce Marsh

In the wee hours of the fourth Friday (24th) in the month of July, 2020, Barbara Joyce Billiu Marsh closed her eyes for the last time. With her daughters and husband at her bedside, her last wishes to “die happy and at home” were fulfilled.

Born April 14, 1932, in Belding, she was a true Michigan gal. She graduated from Cedar Lake Academy, Cedar Lake, Michigan, in 1950 and immediately enrolled in EMC (now Andrews University) and moved to Berrien Springs.

Her husband of nearly 69 years recalls seeing her for the first time in the cafeteria, and after six months she “came to her senses” and agreed to a date. They married in Belding the next September.

She earned her nursing degree from Lake Michigan College in 1971, a member of the first associate nursing class offered there, and she retired from Berrien General Hospital after 20 years of easing others’ pain.

A mother beyond compare raised four children and is grandma to seven and great-grandmother to five, and a new grandchild to be born in September.

A graveside service will be held at a later date where her family and friends will meet and remember the life and love of an incredible woman. Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

She is survived by her children: Dan Marsh, Judy Hamel, Sue Hornick, Lon Marsh; grandchildren: Eowyn Wadsworth-Boyd, Peter Teeuwen, Stephanie Teeuwen-Kramer, Dr. Kate Marsh, Dr. Amanda Marsh, Allison Marsh, Phillip Marsh; and great grandchildren: Emily Boyd, Ella Boyd, Elena Kramer, Thirza Kramer and Leonie Teeuwen.

Her favorite song was in step with her optimistic, glass-half-full, spirit… “Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue, and the dreams that we dare to dream really do come true.”