Katherine Ellen Barker passed away on Sunday, June 5th, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with breast cancer. Katherine (Kathy) was born to Elwood and Marion (Roberts) Grannell on December 12, 1946 in Bad Axe, Michigan. She attended Bad Axe High School and graduated from Elkton-Pigeon-Bayport High School in 1965. Kathy graduated from Michigan State University with a master’s degree in Education. She was a devoted teacher and she taught for 32 years; Karlsey Public School system (2 years) and Haslett Public Schools (30 years). She enjoyed many summers with her family watching the sunset over Lake Michigan at the cabin in Manistee. She had a tremendous appreciation for music, including classical, bluegrass, country, instrumental, and Christian. She also treasured nature and wildlife, and especially liked a black and white cat on her lap. She spent recent winters in Crystal River, Florida where she made many wonderful friends. Homecoming queen and beauty pageant winner, she found delight in reading books, newspapers and sharing her knowledge with others. In her quest for new knowledge she hopes that one day a cure will be found for others with metastatic breast cancer. Kathy is survived by her husband, George; her beautiful children, Kristina Barker, Jeff Barker, Karyn (Josh) Newton; three grandchildren Lilah, Samuel and Jeremiah; brother Jim Grannell; sister Nancy (Robert) Powers; brother, John Grannell, and Marlene (Tom) Romzek and their families, as well as brother-in-law Robert (Darlene) Barker and their family. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8th at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. A funeral service to celebrate Katherine’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 9th at the funeral home. In loving memory of Katherine Barker, contributions can be made to the Mayo Clinic, Department of Development-Breast Cancer Research, 200 First SW, Rochester, MN 55905, phone 1-800-297-1185. Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.
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