Barbara Ann Saul

She was born to parents Leslie Leo Becking, and Audrey Dane (Batson) Becking in their home in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In early 1963, Barbara met David Allan Saul, who after a whirlwind, four- month courtship, became her husband. The two married on July 13, 1963. Their love story was the real deal; Romeo and Juliet had nothing on these two. They liked nothing more than listening to Lou Rawls or Wes Montgomery together while snuggling on the couch. The pair would build a life together in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Together, Barbara and David had four children: Laura, David, Cheryl, and Rachel.

Barbara loved quilting, canning vegetables grown from her own garden, hosting family Thanksgiving celebrations at home, and frequent visits to tea houses with friends and family. She suffered through family camping trips, and in turn would drag David and their youngest daughter on numerous trips to Amish communities throughout the Midwest, where she bought quilts to add to her collection at home.

Barbara earned an Associate’s Degree in nursing from Oakland Community College in the 1980s and enjoyed a career as a registered nurse. Following the achievements of her children and grandchildren gave her great joy. She could be depended on to send thoughtful cards with personal messages for every occasion in their lives. She loved to catch up with family and friends on lengthy phone calls, but avoided email and text messaging like the plague.

Barbara loved her many dogs deeply and unconditionally, although the small poodles she favored were not appreciated nearly as much by her family.

Barbara spent her last days in hospice at her youngest daughter’s home in Grosse Pointe Woods. In her final days, cardinals and blue jays descended on the property. Her last words focused on her husband, and after she died, the birds flew away, having finished their job of guiding Barbara home to David.

Barbara is survived by her adored children, Laura Ann Saul Edwards and Martin E. Edwards III; David Todd Saul; Cheryl Lynn Saul-Sehy and Joe Saul-Sehy; and Rachel Danielle Saul-Reed and Kelly A. Reed; and her cherished grandchildren Madeline Elise, Martin Elliot, Autumn Dane, Nicholas Wayne, Emma Rachel, and Zoey Abigail.

A memorial service in Barbara’s honor will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Congregation Shir Tikvah, located at 3900 Northfield Parkway, Troy, MI 48084.