Barbara (Barb) Jean Bolhouse passed away peacefully on October 4, 2023.  According to her wishes, she was cremated. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Barb was born in Otsego, Michigan on April 16, 1927.  She was the daughter of Leighton and Margaret O'Harrow.  As a youngster, she excelled at math and home economics. Her parents arranged for an introduction to Jim Bolhouse, and after a brief courtship, they were married December 21, 1946.

She received training as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for many years for Dr. Walt Boerman at the Alpine Medical Center in Grand Rapids, MI.  She and Jim were active members of the Aberdeen Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.  They raised 3 boys and supported Jim in his career as a builder.  Besides her outstanding work ethic, she was a wonderful cook, seamstress and hostess.  She managed the family finances and had a knack for being a savvy shopper.  Her husband, Jim often warmly observed that "Barb likes to be in the middle of everything." After the kids were grown and she had retired as an LPN, she spent countless hours in volunteer work and nurturing friendships.   Even in her final months at the Parkway Village Health Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, she hated seeing anyone sit by themselves and made it her mission to be as congenial as possible to both residents and the staff.  Barb was known for her warm, engaging smile.

She is preceded in death by husband, Jim; middle son, David Bolhouse (Brenda.)  Barb is survived by sister, Pat Yonkers; son, Roger, his wife Kristina, son Robert (Bob) and his wife Valerie; grandchildren, Matthew Bolhouse and Nick Bolhouse (Roger); Anne Detmers and Chris Bolhouse (David); Laurel Stelzer, Angel Wileman, and Mariel Bolhouse (Bob) as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas (501)313-5431.  Memorials to honor Barbara may be sent to Faith Fellowship Church, Irons, MI  49644.