Barbara Linsley

Mrs. Barbara Linsley, age 85, of Kalamo passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Barb was born in Kalamo on January 13, 1935, the daughter of the late Elston and Ethel (Palmer) Smurr. She was raised in the Kalamo area, attending North Kalamo School and Charlotte High School. On June 16, 1951, she married Mr. Bernard Linsley, who farmed in Kalamo. The couple made their home together in the Kalamo area, where they raised their family and established their farm. They shared their home with several foster children. Barb’s family, the Smurrs, also farmed in the Kalamo area, and her two sisters married Bernie’s two brothers.
Barb was a perfect lady and took great pride in the care of her family and her home. She raised her family at Nashville Baptist Church, where one of her true joys was singing in the choir each Sunday and occasionally singing solos. She enjoyed reading her Bible, novels and history books.
Barb loved working around their home and farm, enjoying horses, gardening and teaching her grandchildren how to fish. For a short period of time, she sold real estate. Along with her husband, Barb enjoyed renovating houses and, through the years, completed over 33 house renovations in the area. They spent their entire married life in the very first home they restored.
“Work hard, then play hard” was a creed that Barb and Bernie shared during their nearly 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In later years, the couple purchased homes in Florida that became their winter escape for over 30 years. They also enjoyed spending time at family property in Kalkaska and a cabin on Thornapple Lake.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Bernie; two sons, Glen (Donna) Linsley and Ed (Linda) Linsley; two sisters, Gloria Linsley and Mary (Jerry) Linsley; her brother Douglas (Patricia) Smurr; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Don Linsley.
Graveside services were held privately for the family at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo on Wednesday, April 8, with Pastor Lester DeGroot officiating. A memorial service celebrating Barb’s life and beautiful Christian faith will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, visit the website at danielsfuneralhome.net.