Barbara L. Utter

Barbara was born on June 17, 1938, in Valparaiso, Indiana to Thomas and Dorothy (Harmon) Smith. Barbara graduated from Niles High School and attended Michigan State University where she met Kent Utter Jr. They were married on August 8, 1959, in Niles, Michigan. They created a loving and caring home for their four sons, first in Flint, Michigan and then after moving out to “the country” in Grand Blanc in November 1971. Barb was a do-everything mom who was always there to support her sons’ lives and the various sports and activities in which they were involved. Her family is eternally grateful for all that she did to ensure they had every opportunity to live a happy life.

Barb made friends easily and everywhere. She was a fierce and loyal friend who would do anything for anyone at a moment’s notice. She always went out of her way to help those in need. She knew that she was blessed beyond measure and wanted everyone to have that same gift. Her favorite place in the world was at the family cottage “up north.” The countless memories made there will never be forgotten, especially all the special times spent with her brother Tom and family at the legendary Smith Family reunions on Wolf Lake. The “Two Buck Chuck” flowed freely and often.

She was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Blanc. Her strong faith and unwavering resolve carried her through difficult times. She always said, “you just have to put one foot in front of the other, because there’s no other choice.” Barb was involved with various groups and charities over the years, most notably The Junior League of Flint, The March of Dimes, Grand Blanc Schools Advisory Board, and CARE Club.

Barb and Kent owned Baker Auto Parts of Flint for over 30 years. After selling the business they stayed in the industry, both going on to work for the Automotive Recyclers of Michigan (ARM) Association. Following Kent’s untimely death in 1995, Barb agreed to take over his position as the Executive Director of ARM and she never looked back. For 29 years, Barb put her heart and soul into making ARM and its membership the very best it could be, only retiring at 86 years old when health issues made it too difficult to continue. She loved her career and never considered it work. Her steady leadership, deep commitment to the industry, and genuine care for others helped shape ARM into the organization it is today. She loved the membership of ARM and forged many lifelong relationships. She considered them her extended family. Barb’s family cannot thank the association enough, especially her right hand and surrogate daughter, Kathy Cooper, for the love, kindness, and support they have given her over the years, especially as she struggled with her health throughout the last two years.

Her greatest joy in life, however, were her grandchildren, “The Grands.” She was also blessed later in life with two great-grandchildren. She loved and adored them all beyond measure. She was always there to cheer on their triumphs, but more importantly she provided a listening ear and soft shoulder to lean on during life’s challenges. Barb always made time for everyone, but especially her grandchildren, always there to pick up the phone or greet them with a hug at the front door. Barb also had a very special relationship with her daughters-in-law. She rarely used that title because she truly considered them her daughters.

Barb will be missed beyond words by her family and the incredible number of people whose lives she touched over the years. The family wishes to thank her doctors, the wonderful staff at Henry Ford Genesys and The Oaks at Woodfield, and Debi Jackson.

Barbara is survived by her brother Thomas Smith of Niles, MI, sisters Sue Harger of Niles, MI & Cathryn Mace of Buchanan, MI, and sister-in-law Carolynn Ranftle of Rutland, VT. Her sons Kent Utter III (Anita) of Flushing, MI, Mike Utter (Jeannine Keeley) of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Utter (Nan Sirianni) of Toledo, OH, Chris Utter (Rhonda) of Grand Blanc, and daughter-in-law Jalonn Utter. Grandchildren Megan Utter (Kelsie Pittel) of Reno, NV, Thomas Utter (Jess) of Grand Rapids, MI, Lauren Ford (Jordan) of Grand Rapids, MI, Ben Utter (Dallas Mogensen) of Chicago, IL, Sam Utter of Chicago IL, Courtney Utter (Dominic Ravotto) of Royal Oak, MI, and Ryan Utter of Okemos, MI. Great Grandchildren Maeve and Theo Ford, many nieces and nephews, and best friend of 65 years Sandy Sprague.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Kent Utter Jr, parents Thomas and Dorothy Smith, in-laws Kent & Eileen Utter Sr., brother-in-law Richard Harger, sister-in-law Boo Smith, brother-in-law Robert Ranftle, niece/goddaughter Sharon Nakich, godson Thomas Sprague, & granddaughter Kathryn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kent Utter Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VVGSQ842A55KG

A memorial mass for Barbara will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church – 11804 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan with visitation one hour prior and a reception immediately following at Hill Funeral Home, located directly across from Holy Family Catholic Church.