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Bobie Knarian

January 2, 1938 - December 13, 2014
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, December 16, 2014
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, December 17, 2014
11:00 AM EST
Oakwood Bible Church
4100 Oakland Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-2835

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Oakwood Bible Church
4100 Oakland Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-2835
Web Site

Centrica Care Navigators
7100 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 345-0273
Driving Directions
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Schafer's Flowers Inc.
3274 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(800) 760-7050
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Perhaps it was her fun spirited ways, determination, or the close relationship she treasured with family, but in all ways, Bobie Knarian loved and lived fully and completely at every opportunity. Bobie raised her family by loving example which served her children well. She valued her family beyond compare, and as a testament to her faith, placed her Christian values as a top priority. Although deeply missed, the memory of Bobie will be cherished in the hearts of all who came to know and love her.

Bobie's story began at a time when the U.S. was making great economic strides following the hardships of the Great Depression. The struggles of this generation found relief from everyday worries enjoying the sounds of Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Andrews Sisters. While Superman made his debut in 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped strengthen the economy with the establishment of the minimum wage law. The New Year brought much anticipation of good things to come, especially for Orlo and Helen Giddings of Allegan, Michigan when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Barbara Lee on January 2, 1938.

The third of four children, Barbara, or "Bobie" as she was affectionately known, joined her older sisters, Alice, Janet, and Becky. The Giddings made their home in Allegan before moving to Otsego and Mattawan where Bobie spent most of her youth. For a few years they lived in Arizona where Bobie had memories of actually sitting on a scorpion. Even though she was just a young girl, Bobie had vivid memories of the celebrations which took place when World War II came to a thankful end, but had to ask her sister, Alice who won.

Bobie attended the area schools, enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, and was never afraid to try new things. In high school she was a cheerleader for the Mattawan Wildcats. She did well in her studies, but struggled with Algebra. Her good friend, Janet Klobucher helped her pass the class, and Bobie went on to graduate in 1956 from Mattawan High School.

Shortly after high school, Bobie married Lester Woodward. Together they shared the love of five wonderful children. Although their marriage did not last, Bobie was grateful for her children. Her daughters, Loryce, Lynette, and LeAnne and sons, Larry and Lonnie were the most important part of her life, and she would have done anything for them. Bobie worked hard to raise her children with sound values, love, and discipline. She was the greatest of examples, and was truly an inspiration.

To support her family, Bobie worked for the U.S. Postal Service. One of her co-workers, Vahakn “Moe” Knarian was extremely kind to Bobie and her children. He was especially their rock when Bobie's young son sadly died in 1968. Realizing their relationship had much more of a purpose, they soon discovered their love. Bobie and Moe were joined in marriage later that year on August 24 at Mattawan Congregational Church.

Before long, Bobie and Moe welcomed two more children with the births of Angela and Andrea. In all ways, Bobie placed the well being of her family first. She was an involved parent, and took an active role in their school and other activities. She made a good home for Moe and the kids, and was a fantastic cook. Everything she made was delicious, especially her excellent apple pie. Bobie loved large family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas, her favorite time of year. She was a talented seamstress and crocheted, and considered her talent to be a labor of love for those in need.

Throughout the years Bobie and her family enjoyed vacations up north. She especially enjoyed family reunions each year at Twin Lakes. As a family they spent a memorable time in California which made for lasting memories. Just a kid at heart, Bobie possessed an adventurous nature and her great sense of humor was always a joy.

After many years at the post office, Bobie was forced to quit her job due to arthritis. She struggled with the disease for 40 years in all, but when it affected her work, it was time to relent. No longer working offered Bobie the opportunity to spend more time with family. When blessed with grandchildren and later, great-grandchildren, Bobie was absolutely in her glory. She thought her heart would burst with the love she felt for her children, but when the grandbabies and great-grandbabies began making their way into Bobie's heart, her love knew no boundaries.

Bobie was a huge sports fan. She loved the Detroit Tigers, and Michigan State basketball, especially Tom Izzo. In fact, her love of sports was a great link between Bobie and her grandchildren. She not only attended all of her children’s sporting events, but was there to encourage her grandchildren, as well. Bobie had a great family. Even her sisters came out to support the kids at their sporting events and functions.

Above all, Bobie was all about family, love, and her unwavering Christian faith and values. Although opinionated, her genuine honesty was just one of the many ways Bobie displayed her love. She was a dedicated mother, a devoted grandmother, and simply the best great-grandmother. Even when her kids moved out and began families of their own, Bobie spoke to her children daily, even if it was to just get cooking advice. She remained close to her children, and was an unending inspiration to them through some of life's most difficult circumstances.

Attending church was also a large part of Bobie's life. For the last four years she was a member of the Oakwood Bible Church where she gave of her time and talents. Thankful for much, Bobie particularly found Psalm 121 to be of great comfort:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

At the age of 76, Barbara “Bobie” Knarian, surrounded by family, went to be with her Lord Jesus on Saturday, December 13, 2014. With lasting memory, Bobie's determined spirit, resilient nature and love for family will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Members of Bobie's family include her husband of 46 years, Vahakn “Moe” Knarian; five daughters: Loryce (Tony) Knight, Lynette Woodward, LeAnne Shelton, Angela (Rod) Kotarski, Andrea (Chad) Boelman, 15 Grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her three sisters: Alice Pfau, Janet (Andrew) Chopp, Becky Hodapp; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sons: Larry and Lonnie Woodward and by her parents.

Visit with Bobie's family and friends on Tuesday from 6-8 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Oakwood Bible Church, 4100 Oakland Drive. The family will also receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Please visit Bobie’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to Oakwood Bible Church or Hospice Care of SW Michigan.

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