Barbara Joyce Yakley

Barbara was born in Ferndale, Michigan on September 18, 1928, and raised in Ann Arbor. She was married on September 18, 1948 (her 20th birthday) to Robert Yakley (deceased Oct. 1986).

Barb attended Ann Arbor High School and graduated in 1946. Barb worked as a legal secretary at Mann, Lipnik and Darrow in Ann Arbor for many years. She belonged to the Ann Arbor Country Club and the Elks Golf League in Ann Arbor. She enjoyed playing golf (her sister refers to her as the best golf partner she ever had), reading, knitting, playing bridge and spending time with her friends and family. Barb spent her last years with her longtime friend Gloria Morrison (whom she had known since first grade) at the Lloyed Ganton Retirement Center. Her family is very thankful for the wonderful loving care she received from the staff at Lloyd Ganton Retirement Center who made her part of their family.

Barb and Robert had two children, Daniel (Charlene) Yakley & Lynn (James) Burns. She has four grandchildren; Dawn (Ryan) Keith, Michael (Kathy) Burns, Scott Yakley and Lisa Burns who all referred to her as “Little Grandma.” She also has six great grandchildren; Bailey and Madalyn Keith, Evelyn and Brooklyn Burns, Owen and Alexis Hicks. Barb is survived by her sister Joan Fraser, four nieces and nephews, and four great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law William Fraser.

She leaves us with many memories that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Barb was the light of many people’s lives until the very end. The staff at Lloyd Ganton as well as many of her friend’s referred to her as “Barbie doll”….She will be forever remembered as ‘Our Barbie.’ She will be missed by many, but we all know she is ready to see her Robert and her beloved dog Molly after so many years apart.

A celebration of her life will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Ave. Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 with visitation starting at 10:00am. www.muehligannarbor.com

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Great Lakes Chapter, 310 N. Main St. Ste 100, Chelsea, MI 48118 or Southern Care Hospice, 1965 Boardman Rd., Jackson, MI 49202.