Obituary of Barbara Ann (Standridge) Dietz

Barbara Ann Standridge was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 9, 1952.   She was one of nine children born from the union of Marvin Standridge and Bonnie Rose (Greer) Standridge.   She attended Livonia High School.  

She moved to Monroe County in the early 1980’s.   Barbara was blessed with the birth of three sons.   She cared for the needs of her boys as a homemaker for many years, but she was a hard worker willing to do whatever it took to make ends meet. Barbara was always proud of her amazing networking skills on the computer.  She worked as a dispatcher for a trucking company, at one time owned her own business, Victory Trucking, tended bar, at Charlies and Trappers, and cleaned houses with Dietz on Demand.

A woman of faith, she had a big heart, often giving more than she had to give.   Barbara at times borrowed to give to others who were in need.   She lived a life of charity.   A “foster” parent, Barbara, also referred to as "Aunt B" took in everyone no matter what for years.   From her boy’s friends to the neighbor children, to nieces and nephews, Barb took them in making sure that no one went without a meal or a place to lay their head.

Wise beyond her years, Barbara was self-taught in many aspects.  She also enjoyed reading and had an amazing ability to retain the information she came across. She loved the outdoors and would not pass up the opportunity to canoe down different rivers across the country.  Barbara knew how much and when to love.  

Barbara Ann (Standridge) Dietz, age 70, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday; December 23, 2022.   Her passing was preceded by her parents; a spouse:  Gerald Dietz; two brothers:  George Standridge and Jeff Standridge; a sister:  Sue Standridge; four nephews:  Shawn Standridge, Daniel Standridge, Ryan Standridge, and Corey Standridge; and a grandson:  Ryan Andrew Martin-Riley

To cherish her memory she leaves three sons:  Billy Riley of Trenton, Eric (Christina) Riley of Toledo, and Michael (Mandi) Canupp of Monroe; one sister:  Brenda (Todd) Scaggs of LaSalle; four brothers:  Gary Standridge of Toledo, Marvin Standridge of LaSalle, Scott Standridge of Toledo, and Greg Standridge of Toledo; eight grandchildren:  Devin Martin-Riley, Abby Martin-Riley, Kaylee Keesee, Ethan Riley, Kaleb Canupp, Kaden Canupp, Layla Canupp, and Lexie Canupp; two great grandchildren:  Parker Martin-Riley and Ariyah Borggiano; Kenneth Canupp her close friend and former significant other of nineteen years; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Rachel.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Saturday; January 14, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service; Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.   A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkles.   Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation in Erie, Michigan.

Barbara always believed in paying her blessings forward and so in her honor the family suggests memorials be made to the Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries Center.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.