Barbara Jean Martinson

Barb graduated from Michigan State University and was a teacher with DeWitt Public Schools. Teaching was one of Barb’s greatest passions, and she loved seeing her students every day. In addition to being an MSU alumna, Barb was a season ticket holder for many years. She especially loved MSU hockey and football.

Barb was married to the love of her life, Gary Martinson, for 39 years. Together they built a loving family that Barb took great pride in. She was the heart of the family, always caring for her children and grandchildren and never missing the many events and activities they were involved in.

She will be missed dearly by her family. Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Gary Martinson; her daughters, Ashley (Robb) Wallick and Laura (Jake) Weaver; her grandchildren, Noah Hixson, Lukas Wallick, and Kennedy Wallick; her sisters, Linda Matteson and Beverly (Rudy) Davis; her brother, James Hanes; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Betty Hanes, and her sisters, Shirley Penner and Bridget Myers.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at U of M Sparrow Hospice for their loving care for Barb.

A funeral mass will be held at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820, on March 19, 2026, at 11 AM, with a one-hour visitation the hour prior at 10 AM. A memorial luncheon will follow the service onsite, with a graveside service taking place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906, at 2 PM. There will be a visitation the night before on March 18, 2026, at Gorsline Runciman DeWitt Chapel, 205 E Washington St, DeWitt, MI 48820, from 3 PM to 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christo Rey Clothing Closet, 1717 N. High St., Lansing, MI. 48906.