Barbara M. Lotridge

Barbara M. Lotridge (nee Dixon) was born October 13, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan, to Merrill Dixon and Olive (Fredericks) Dixon. She left her earthly body and entered her Heavenly home on March 9, 2021, surrounded by her loving children.

Barbara was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, having been carried into the church in her mother’s arms as an infant. She knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a devout Christian woman her entire life. It was at Zion that she met and married her beloved husband, Frederick J. Lotridge, in 1967, and they resided in Lansing for most of their thirty-five years of marriage. Barbara and Fred had an especially close relationship and were often referred to as two peas in a pod. They enjoyed spending time together, from attending weekly church services, to going antiquing, to working on home projects. When Fred left us in 2002, Barbara was broken-hearted. She often expressed her desire to join him in Heaven. After eighteen years without her beloved husband, her body finally followed her heart’s desire and they are now reunited in their Heavenly home.

Barbara often said that everyone has a gift but she didn’t know what hers might be. Barbara’s gift was her heart of gold and her generous nature, especially toward those less fortunate. She had a way of making a person feel important even if she had just met them. Barbara didn’t always say, “I love you,” but she showed it in her actions. She had a fierce love for her family, especially her children, and would have gladly given them the sun, moon and stars if she could have done so. She was generous to a fault, and her feisty nature as well as her dry sense of humor will forever be remembered with love and laughter. She leaves her family with many wonderful and happy memories.

Barbara was preceded in death not only by her husband Fred, but also by both of her parents, each of her siblings, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara is survived by many who love her and will forever cherish her memory, including her two sons, John (Diane) Fenby, Jr. and Dan (Beverly) Fenby, as well as her daughter Krystn (James) Palmer, seven grandchildren, and several great- and great-great grandchildren. Barbara also leaves behind her two kitties, Chewie and Ty, whom she cherished dearly.

Barbara has chosen to be cremated. A memorial service celebrating her life and joyful transition to her Heavenly home will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Barbara’s name to the Ingham County Animal Shelter in Mason, Michigan.