Amy was born on April 28, 1955 to Marjorie and Stanley Bailey in South Bend, Indiana where she joined her brother, Doug Bailey, now of Hudsonville, Michigan. Amy was preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Michael Barnes, of Jenison, Michigan; and daughters Abby (Ben) Barnes Nicol and Sarah (Michael) Barnes Diaz, both of Indianapolis, Indiana. Amy, the most loved “Mimi," is also survived by her five biggest fans, her grandchildren Graham, Ashton, and Grier Nicol; and Charlie and Max Diaz, all of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her sweet pups Ranger, Ginger, Chester, Prince, and Zoe; and is survived by her two loving rescue pups Stella and Scout.
Amy attended East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan where she served as Class President, Pep Club President, and was a three sport athlete. Amy was a graduate of Central Michigan University, where she played volleyball and was a proud member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. After college, Amy began her over 25 year teaching and coaching career as an elementary physical education educator for Jenison Public Schools and as a volleyball, basketball, and softball coach within the West Michigan area. On summer breaks, Amy served as Program Director at Camp Arcadia along the shores of Lake Michigan. Her greatest coaching love was volleyball where she served as the varsity volleyball coach for Jenison High School and also as a coaching assistant for Grand Valley State University. Following her retirement from teaching and coaching, Amy began to build her retirement business, Dog Grandma, by loving and caring for pups throughout West Michigan.
Wife. Mom. Mimi. Sister. Aunt. Mentor. Coach. Friend. Leader. Dog Lover. Woman of Faith.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Amy’s name to either Camp Arcadia or Gilda’s Club – Grand Rapids.
Due to Covid, a small private family and invitation only memorial service will take place on Friday, April 23 at Holy Cross Lutheran in Jenison, Michigan.
Following the private service, we will be hosting a Drop-In Celebration of Life Gathering for all of Mom’s friends and family to stop by, toast one to her and to mix and mingle for a bit outdoors. We will be hosting this gathering at Farmhaus Cider, a great local hard cider spot that is one of Mom’s favorites! It feels like sitting outdoors in the woods by an old barn. Masks will be required and we encourage folks to sanitize and socially distance, but we would LOVE for anyone to attend in honor of Mom. She wanted everyone to wear their favorite jeans and a t-shirt to this gathering and she was hoping everyone could have a drink and celebrate her beautiful life which was well lived! This will begin at 4 p.m. and is open to anyone to attend. Farmhaus Cider is located at 5025 Stanton Street in Hudsonville, Michigan. (Note: We have a private area for the celebration, but it is small. If you anticipate staying for a bit, we encourage you to spread out into the public grounds and even consider bringing a blanket or stadium chair.)
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