Obituary of Barbara Ann Halliday
Barbara Ann Bates was born on June 27, 1960 in Monroe. She was the youngest of four children born from the union of the late Joseph John Bates and the late Margaret Louise (Evan) Bates. She attended Monroe High School and graduated with the Class of 1978. She would further her studies at Monroe County Community College, proudly obtaining her Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy, despite all odds and obstacles.
Barbara would take employment at the Detroit Medical Center working as a Respiratory Therapist for The Detroit Children’s Hospital for several years. She was ECMO trained, which was even more impressive since only a few hospitals nationwide could count this credential.
Family was by far the most important thing in Barbara’s life. She would be blessed with the birth of two daughters: Randi and Jodee, and Barbara was extremely proud of her girls. She was known for her friendliness and generosity, having never met a stranger she would not gladly help.
A lifetime Monroe County resident, she loved all animals, but especially held a soft spot for cats. She volunteered her time and resources to local non-profits, helping to spay and neuter stray cats. She also rescued many over the years, currently sharing her home with five four-legged companions, in addition to her beloved sister: Denise. These felines were most definitely part of the family, and visitors knew they ruled the roost.
Although her health had declined in the past few years, at one time she was quite the gardener and had a green thumb to be jealous of. It seemed that she could nurse a plant or animal back to life when everyone else had failed.
Barbara Ann Halliday passed away unexpectedly on what was her 60th birthday, Saturday, June 27, 2020. In addition to her parents her passing, she was preceded by a stillborn sister: Jody Bates; a sister: Pam Martell in 2005; and a granddaughter: Danica Cox.
To cherish her memory she leaves two daughters: Jodee Wylie (Justin Reed) and Randi Wylie (Michael McCombie) all of Ypsilanti; a sister: Denise (James) Martell of Carleton; four grandchildren: Tobias Cox, Jaxson Gray, Austin Gray, and Lucy McCombie; great grandson: Milo Cox; and her five feline companions: Mojo, Abbey, Rosie Bud, Bert, and Mittens
A memorial service is being planned. Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family to assist with funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com