Barbara Louise Atkinson
Holt, Michigan
Born March 12, 1941 in Clare, Michigan daughter of the late Ernest and Janice (Schaaf) Kleinhardt passed away Friday, May 23, 2025 at the age of 84.
Surviving are her 3 children, Terri Shaver, John Atkinson, Michael (Ann) Atkinson; grandchildren, Autumn (Drew) McDonald, Tom (Meghan) Shaver, II, Rachel (Nick) Rhodes, Amanda (Chris) Spencer, Michael Atkinson, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Corbin (Emily), Kira, Brody, Kira, Chloe; great-great-grandchildren, Finn, Sage, and Jasper; sister, Joan Burton along with many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death her husband, Robert J. Atkinson; brother, Ben Kleinhardt; sisters, Dorothy Garver and Judy Schaaf; infant brother, David Kleinhardt: grandson, Lucas Atkinson; and son-in-law, Thomas Shaver.
Barb grew up a tough farm girl from Clare. Barb loved Jesus, her beloved husband Bob, and her family dearly. Her many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren enjoyed her loving home and baking exploits. Barb had a legendary green thumb and took pride in both her baking and gardening skills. She was also a skilled salesperson with a strong fashion sense. Barb enthusiastically served many appreciative customers during her retail career in the Lansing area. Barb was a huge MSU fan and served Magic Johnson and his mother Christine on several occasions; she was so proud of those “Magic” moments. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her “family” at Great Lakes Christian Homes and to the wonderful staff at Divine Nest in Leslie for making her final days full of Love.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 S. Washington Rd., Holt, Michigan 48842. The family will receive friends at Great Lakes Christian Homes beginning at 12:30 on Tuesday until service starts at 1:00. Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband at Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare, MI at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions, in loving memory of Barbara, may be made to Dress for Success Michigan, 5631 McAuley Dr. – Suite 1125, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
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Amy Gilmore
May 30, 2025 at 11:53 amI got to know Barb when she was living across the hall from my Grandma (Doris) at GLCH. Barb & Grandma were fiercely protective of each other and had a lovely friendship. Her husband and my Grandpa passed away within a few months of each other so their bond strengthened as they navigated widowhood together. They enjoyed hanging out on the front patio together and sharing whatever treats either one of them had. I envision the four of them (my grandparents and Barb & Bob) sitting a table eating perfect cookies and drinking perfect coffee.
I wish the family love and comfort in the days to come.