Of Jackson, MI passed away peacefully on November 7, 2018 at the age of 87 with her daughter, Sandra, by her side. She endured a 14 year battle with Alzheimers. Barbara was born on May 24, 1931 to Alvin and Mary Owens in Peoria, IL. She attended East Jackson Schools and was a car hop at the "Tip Top Root Beer Stand" and "The Dome" before marrying and becoming a loving wife, mother & homemaker. She was Homemaker of the Year at the Jackson Country Fair in 1968 winning awards for her canning, baking and sewing. She loved going to Rudy’s, swiss steak dinners at church and "Turtle Tuesdays" with friends. She enjoyed music, ice cream and drives thru Ella Sharp Park when the Honeysuckle was blooming. Her daughters were blessed to have so much quality time with their mother the last few years. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Fred) Clark and Sandra Hamel, grandson Joshua (Shannon) French and great-grandsons, Bryce and Braylen French. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 69 years, Jerry, son Jerry R Eley II and brother Donald Owens. Cremation has taken place with private services. The family thanks the staff of Countryside Manor, Southern Care Hospice for the loving care given to Barbara and the Loomis Street Baptist Church for their weekly visits. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association.
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