Barbara Comstock

All who knew Barbara Comstock would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was kindhearted and always looking for ways she could bless others as her spirit of generosity knew no bounds. Barbara was deeply devoted to her roles as a wife and mother, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. Although she did have trials at times, she faced whatever came her way with both strength and courage that were truly inspiring. Deeply loved, Barbara will be forever missed.

The 1930s were a time unlike any other as the Great Depression covered our nation and much of the world like a wet blanket throughout the entire decade. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and countless American families were left doing whatever they could to weather the storm. Despite the harsh realities, there was much to celebrate in the life of Viola Sysinger as she was blessed with the birth of the baby girl she named Barbara Allan. on November 14, 1931, in LaFayette, Indiana. Raised by a single mother, she learned the value of hard work as her mother worked tirelessly to provide. Barbara’s mother worked in a factory, cleaned homes, and did whatever else was necessary in order to survive. She was raised on a farm outside of Goshen and attended local schools. When Barbara’s mother lost her fingers at work while Barbara was in high school, she left school to come home and take care of her mother. She did graduate in the Adult Education Program in 1988 from Vicksburg High School, the same year as her youngest daughter, Marianna.

Not to be forgotten during Barbara’s years as a young woman was her introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Joseph Comstock, and they met through some friends when she was just 19. Actually, they had met before when he had tried to teach her how to hold a baseball bat, which ended with Barbara hitting him in the nose with the bat on accident! Since Joseph was three years older than she was, he was serving in the Army when they were formerly introduced by friends. They got married before he was deployed during the Korean Conflict. They exchanged their vows on an Army base in Breckenridge, Kentucky, where Joseph had been working as a military policeman. Barbara hopped a bus to the base with her wedding cake and dress, arriving early in the afternoon. When he saw her, he informed her that their wedding was at 3 o’clock. A man in uniform ended up serving as Barbara’s bridesmaid since there were no other women on the base. Joseph and Barbara exchanged their vows on Good Friday, March 23, 1951, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love store that would span more than 50 years. Over the couple of years that followed, Joe’s duties took him all the way to Germany.

After he was discharged on December 24, 1953, Barb and Joe were eager to move forward with their lives. Together they welcomed five children, Joseph Jr., Clara, Jonathan, Jeffrey, and Marianna, into their hearts. Sadly, Jeffrey died at birth. In 1964 they moved their bustling family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in 1969 they settled on two acres of land in Scotts. They also rented surrounding properties and kept pigs, rabbits, chickens, cows, horses, cats, and dogs from time to time. In 2004, Barb was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband.

In addition to caring for her family, Barb kept busy with other things. She spent 26 years working as a rural postal carrier. She was a member of Lakeland Reformed where she volunteered in the Clothes Closet and Stephen’s Ministry with Joe. Barb enjoyed quilting and gardening, and she loved Johnny Cash and classic country western music. Over the years she wasn’t known for her cooking, but was known for her peanut butter fudge at Christmas time. Although she truly enjoyed all of these things, there was nothing she loved more than being surrounded by the love of her family that grew to include 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

When reflecting on the life of Barbara A. Comstock, words such as loving, fun-loving, and even sassy come to mind, but perhaps what she will be remembered for most was her unending love for her family. Described as an angel on earth, she was the sort of person who would do whatever she could for others. Barb treasured her love for her family, and the moments she spent with her family were the best times of her life. Known for her sense of humor, she was so much fun to be around. Barb will never be forgotten.

Barbara A. Comstock, of Scotts passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the age of 86. She is survived by Joseph Comstock, of Scotts; Jonathan (Victoria) Comstock, of Hastings; Marianna (Bryan) Poggione-Proper, of Mattawan; 18 grandchildren, 15 great children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 2004; and two children: Clara Mutch and Jeffrey Comstock. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 29th from 2 - 5 p.m. at the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 30th at 11 a.m. at the Lakeland Reformed Church. Please visit Barbara’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Kalamazoo Michigan Commission for the Blind.