Barbara Kalush

The big selfless heart of Barbara Kalush of Traverse City gave out on December 31, 2015, surrounded by her family at Munson Medical Center. Barb was born in Schoolcraft, Michigan on January 13, 1948, but spent most of her life in the Traverse City area. A hard worker, she was employed at Essex, then United Technologies, then Lear Corp, before moving onto Sara Lee where she finally pondered retirement. Barb will be remembered for her storytelling and big smile, for her potato salad and cheesy broccoli soup, and for her generous spirit. She enjoyed the friendships she has made over the years—from work, school, and her new bunco friends, marathon games of cribbage, and playing black jack at the casinos. She is survived by her daughters, Wendy and Teresa, and granddaughter Brianna, all whom she wanted nothing for but their happiness; her sister Rose Olson and husband Bill. She is preceded in death by her mother Clara Coates, her sister Waneita Glover, and her niece Debra Voice. Cremation will be taking place, and a public graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.