Barbara J. Koehler

Barbara June Koehler, 81, of Marysville, died Tuesday, August 13, 2024 after a short illness.

She was born July 2, 1943 in Port Huron to the late Ferris A. and Mary E. Moran. Barbara met Norman R. Koehler in high school and they were married on August 10, 1962 in Anchorage, Alaska while Norman was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. Barb and Norm shared 38 years together before his death on November 2, 2000.

Barb graduated from Marysville High School and attended cosmetology college before starting her family. Throughout her life, she always remained active in the community. When her daughters were young, she was a Girl Scout leader and PTA member. She also enjoyed throwing parties for the neighborhood children, especially around holidays. Barb loved the time she spent as a waitress at the Junction Buoy and Armbruster’s because she liked serving others and had a very generous nature. Later in her life, Barb joined Gamma Nu and eventually became the President of the sorority. She was creative, enjoyed crocheting and baking, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and to make others laugh. Although a woman of many interests and talents, family was the main joy of Barb’s life. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters, Karen (Rick) Bonney, Dawn (David) Schuen and Mary Jo Ostrander (Chris Hudy); 10 grandchildren, Chelsey (Michael) Wood, Caitlyn (Cameron) Smith, Justin (Alyssa) Bonney, Grant Schuen, Jessica Ostrander, Ethan Schuen, Austin Ostrander, Autumn Ostrander, Avery Schuen and Bailey Schuen; six great grandchildren, Brooks, Tatum, Cleo, Jai, Paisley, Jaxon, and another baby girl on the way; two brothers, Daniel (Donna) Moran and David Moran; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her faithful dog companion of 17 years, Dexter. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jeff Ostrander; and sister-in-law, Linda Moran.

Private family services were held at the Marysville Funeral Home and burial has taken place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Gratiot. Pallbearers were Barb’s grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army to be used towards their holiday meal and gift programs.

To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com.