Obituary of Barbara Jean Anderson

Barbara Jean Staley was born on November 28, 1960, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was one of eight children born to the union of Darrell and Lola (Clark) Staley.  Barbara attended Evanston High School and spent the first 39 years of her life surrounded by her large family in Wyoming.

On July 12, 1997, in Evanston, Barbara married the love of her life, Norman Anderson. The couple relocated to Michigan in 1999.  They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Emily, Melissa, and Tyson. Being born and raised in Wyoming, Barbara loved to be outdoors feeling the fresh air on her face, working in her garden, and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed spending quality time and relaxing with her husband, although on occasion the pair would play Phase 10, or Spite & Malice card games or try their luck at the game Sorry. Barb also spent some of her free time doing various crafts and completing home improvement projects. Although she was always busy doing one thing or another, anyone that truly knew Barbara understood how much she enjoyed helping others. Whether it was driving others around on errands, helping them accomplish tasks, or just lending a caring ear, Barbara was always there. She was a true friend to all she encountered, and her empathy was her superpower that allowed her to deeply impact people around her. She also cherished all the many hours talking on the phone with her sisters from Wyoming. Above all, what really made Barbara shine was spending time with her family and her grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Barbara Jean Anderson, age 62 of Newport, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Friday; August 25, 2023, at home from a sudden heart attack.  In accordance with her wishes, she provided life to others with tissue and organ donation through Gift of Life Michigan. Her passing was preceded by her parents: Darrell and Lola, two of her brothers: Darrell and Lee Staley and one of her sisters: Tracey Staley.

To cherish Barbara’s memory she leaves a loving husband of twenty-six years: Norman Anderson; three daughters: Emily Marshall (Aaron Shanteau) of Monroe, Melissa (David) Whitman of Peoria, Illinois, and Tyson Anderson of Peoria, Illinois; four sisters: Linda (Phil) Willoughby, LaWanna Staley, Karen Goetz all of Evanston, Wyoming, and Terrie (Jeff) Hockin of Casper, Wyoming, one brother: Darrin (Tammy) Staley of Evanston, Wyoming; and five grandchildren: Madelyn Whitman, Sabin Whitman, Brayden Shanteau, Kacen Davis, and Charlie Anderson.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Saturday; September 2, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held at 6:00pm, also at Merkle’s with Pastor BJ McDaniel of One-Way Christian Fellowship Church officiating. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory; Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.