Barbara Jean Ware, 89, of Beaverton, Michigan went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 4:41 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. Barbara J. Ware (Short) was born on June 19, 1924 in Flint, daughter to the late Charles and Daisy Short. She married Albert LaVerne Ware on Aug. 30, 1942 in Mount Morris. In 1946 they moved from Mount Morris to Beaverton to raise their family. She was preceded in death by her siblings Maxine Brier and Max Short, her loving husband, and son, Robert L. Ware. She is survived by her son, Dennis (Erma) Ware of Beaverton; 5 grandchildren: Lynn (Randy) Govitz of Beaverton, Tim (Monica) Ware of DeWitt, Jodi (Troy) Hayes, Greg Ware, and Tina (Tom) Hayes all of Beaverton; and 11 great-grandchildren: Mark, Jacob and Jamie Govitz, Chase Ware, Taylor and Hogan Hayes, Hannah, Amaya and Maggie Jo Ware, and Parker and Elijah Hayes.

Since 1964, Barbara was a dedicated member of the Church of Daniel’s Band and loved her church family very much. She often stated that her church was her life. Among the many jobs she held in the church, she cleaned, led Junior Youth, taught first through third grades in Sunday school for 48 years, and was treasurer for over 20 years. Barb is fondly remembered for bringing children from the community into church and most notably her lifelong friend Mary Salisbury (Donaldson) whom she loved dearly.

Outside of church, Barb savored time with her family. There were many occasions when Barb would load her five grandchildren in her Ford Mustang and head out on adventures. She not only instilled the love for family in her grandchildren, she also taught them that life itself is an adventure to be enjoyed by all.

Barb loved to give and was blessed by God with many special gifts. Those gifts were showered upon her community in the form of homemade goodies and hand-crocheted items. Barb’s family, friends and church have all benefited greatly from her generosity and love.

There is no doubt that Barb has left a legacy, a heritage that will remain strong in the community for many years to come. And there is no doubt that she was loved and will be forever missed.

The family held visitation on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the O’Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc. in Coleman, and Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Church of Daniel’s Band, 4832 S. Bard Road, Beaverton until the Memorial Service which was held at 2 p.m., with Reverend Randy Govitz and Reverend Jim Hoggard Sr. officiating. Burial took place in Midland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Daniel’s Band. A special project will be determined by the family to benefit the church.

Source:  Record & Clarion (Gladwin, Beaverton, MI) – Tuesday, October 8, 2013