Barbara Louise Gutzki

Barbara Gutzki On the early morning of January 10, 2023, Barb departed on her greatest journey to be in the arms of Jesus. She was a blessing to all and went peacefully and gracefully just as she lived. Her faith in the Lord touched many people. Barbara was born on October 22, 1925, in Lansing, MI.

She was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by her loving husband of 52 years, Ken (who passed in 2001); her daughter, Gayle; her parents, Leslie and Ethel Krauss; and her brother, Charles “Chuck” Krauss. Mom will be greatly missed by her children, Gregory (Donna Ridley) of Breckenridge CO, Douglas (Linda) of Lansing, MI, and Kathleen (Mark) Waldecker of Conklin, MI; her 3 grandchildren, Jennifer and Douglas Gutzki Jr. and Ian Waldecker; nephew, Brant (Sue) Krauss of Dewitt; her nieces and nephews on the Gutzki side of the family; and many dear friends.

Barb was trained in the cadet nursing program during World War II. The war ended before she was called into service. She worked at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing where she was a recovery room nurse for many years. She was very involved in her church and community; always helpful and caring with a positive and upbeat attitude. Barb loved to travel and spend time at her cottage on Lake Mitchell in Cadillac, MI. She was the co-founder of the Scarlet Ladies Red Hat Group and organized many outings with her dear friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Delta Mills United Methodist Church, 6809 Delta River Dr., Lansing, MI 48906, with a luncheon to follow. Interment in Deepdale Memorial Gardens at 3:00 p.m. Those who wish to follow the family to the graveside service may do so following the luncheon. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 13th, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, and beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Lansing (www.hospiceoflansing.org) or to Delta Mills United Methodist Church.

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11 Messages to “Barbara Louise Gutzki”

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Joyce Griffith

January 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm

So sorry, Kathy. I’m going to be singing in the choir at Jan McRee’s funeral which is at the same day as your Mom’s. They ‘ll see each other soon!

Kim Linn

January 11, 2023 at 2:59 pm

As are so many friendships, ours was a lucky turn in life. Barb was warm, kind and had a fun personality. She was so pleasant to be around. Our deepest condolences to her family as she will be sorely missed. John and Kim Linn

Dorene Spellman

January 11, 2023 at 4:41 pm

Barb and I founded the Scarlet Ladies in 2003. We always planned the entire year events and she always had a special touch for each event. Our chapter grew to 30 Red Hatters from the start. We even attended the Red Hat National Convention in Las Vegas. It was a fun time on our senior years.
Pat and I are traveling in the south west…in Texas now. I regret not attending my Co queens funeral. Some sisters will attend in their colors.

Julie Waldecker

January 11, 2023 at 5:36 pm

Thankful for Barb’s life. Thankful that she came into our lives. We all love her and we miss her already.

Joyce Newton Savage

January 11, 2023 at 8:14 pm

Growing up in Edgemont was wonderful and Barb & Ken were great friends to our family, Gordon & Elaine Newton. I have wonderful memories. Barb was just a wonderful person.

Mary Pulford

January 12, 2023 at 9:00 am

Sorry to read about Barb’s passing. Until the pandemic, several of the Lansing area Red Hat queens, including Barb, would meet monthly for lunch at Longhorn’s.

Donna Ridley

January 12, 2023 at 10:01 am

I first met Barb with Greg in Florida around 2009 or so and enjoyed visiting her in MI and entertaining her in Charleston and Florida. I loved playing cards with her.
Always loved her spirit and know she will live on in our hearts forever.
Blessed to have known her and to see the love and devotion Greg has for her.