Mrs. Barbara Mohr

Barbara Ann Ward Mohr, formerly of Millington and Otter Lake, died peacefully Dec. 14, 2016, at MediLodge in Frankenmuth soon after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. She was 82.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walter; grandson, Matthew Walter Mohr Springer; son-in-law, Craig Kaiser; and daughter-in-law Lynn Mohr and a brother Evart Ward.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Paula Mohr and Joel Springer, Gregory and Lisa Mohr, Kevin Mohr and Kathleen Kaiser; grandchildren and their spouses, Diana (Drew), Katherine, Jessica (Paul), Alison (Nate), Seth, Nicole (Tyler), Heather (Bernie), Nathan (Christina), Danielle and Cassidy; great-grandchildren, Avery, Addison, Amelia, Serena, Gracie, Jack, Ruby; her sister, Evelyn Jakubik; and many other family members.

Barbara was born March 11, 1934, in Flint to Dale and Eva Ward. Barbara was well-known in Millington, having attended Millington schools and graduating in 1952. Her family lived next to the Millington Baptist Church where she attended and played piano. She worked at various jobs in town—starting with babysitting at age 11, collecting news for the local paper, cleaning offices, ironing clothes and working in the Millington library, the Farm Bureau grocery store, the local hardware store and in the office of Boyce Dalrymple’s Standard gas station and appliance store.

Barbara attended Central Michigan University right after high school and later attended Delta, Saginaw Valley and Great Lakes Junior College. She received an associate’s degree in legal secretarial and certificates in comptometer and keypunching.
Barbara married Walter Mohr on April 21, 1956 at the Millington Baptist Church. Barbara was Walter’s true soulmate, supporting him as wife and homemaker while he worked two full-time jobs. Walt often credited Barb for raising their four children since his time at home was limited due to working. Barb made certain their children had opportunities to participate in sports, 4-H and music over the years, and spent countless hours in the car, driving them to various events.

Walt and Barb lived on a dairy farm near Otter Lake until 1977 when they moved to a dairy farm near Mayville. Barb was always ready to help Walt on the farm, whether it was hauling wagons, running to town for parts or feeding hired help over the years. In 1994, Walter and Barbara built a new home a mile west of their dairy farm and enjoyed semi-retirement. They enjoyed traveling in their RV and spending winter months in the southern U.S., including Phoenix, Arizona, for more than a decade.

Over the years as their children grew, Barb sold Avon, worked at Super Foods in Vassar, Vassar Bookkeeping and in the customer service department at Bronner’s in Frankenmuth. She also served as substitute school teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and in Mayville schools. Her passion, however, was giving piano lessons to dozens of students for more than 30 years. She loved music and dancing. Her and Walt met at a New Year’s Eve dance in 1954. They enjoyed attending local dances in their early years together.

Barb was very active at her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Millington. She served as a Bible school teacher, Sunday school teacher, newsletter editor and photographer, Dorcas Society secretary and president, and was the church’s first handbell director, serving in that capacity for nearly three decades. She also loved to play ladies softball and pitched for several years for teams in Millington. She coached girls’ softball and bowled on women’s and couples’ leagues. Barb was a member of the Tuscola County Farm Bureau and served as the organization’s first chairwoman. She served as a Michigan Milk Producers’ dairy communicator and Fostoria 4-H leader, and she managed the student essay contest sponsored through the Mayville-Vassar VFW Auxiliary #10884.

Throughout her life, Barbara knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She often credited her Aunt Lelah Plumb and her husband, the Rev. Earl Plumb, with laying her faith foundation. She attended Methodist Bible camps as a youngster, later joined the Millington Baptist Church and eventually became confirmed in the Lutheran faith upon her marriage to Walt. Barb deeply believed in serving others and putting her family first. She always had a kind, encouraging word for all, always giving someone ‘the benefit of the doubt.’ She served her Lord and others with joy and thankfulness in her kind heart.

Barbara’s family will receive visitors on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon-3 p.m. at Hanlin Funeral Home, Millington. A celebration of Barbara’s life takes place Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Millington. Visitation will also be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday at the church.The family requests that memorials be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Millington Historical Society or the Vassar - Mayville VFW.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOME

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