Barbara Smith

Driven, selfless, and devoted to the family she loved, Barb Smith lived her life to the fullest. Known for her love of people, she held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. Barb modeled a strong work ethic and compassion for all others. She leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for her many special friends and family to cherish forever.

Her story began during a time that was marked by WWII. It was 1942 and families in the United States were experiencing a gas rationing of only three gallons of gas a week and a new breed of movies with war themes were debuting. During the years of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Albert and Dorothy (Goulooze) Smith were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl, Barbara Jean, on October 19th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the third child of six, her birth brought much joy and promise in an era of great change.

Growing up on Kinney Avenue, Barb lived a typical childhood of the times. She and her sisters and brothers lived near the elementary school, Walker Station Elementary, and visited the playground often. She enjoyed riding horses at a young age with her friend, Linda. Ice skating at Gleason’s pond was a favorite family pastime. They would float on a raft on the same pond in the summer months even if it meant risking leeches! There was a ditch behind their house and in the winter they would tunnel into the snow making caves and snow houses. She and her siblings never turned down any amount of time spent outdoors.

Barb enjoyed taking care of her older sister, Jennie, and was a fierce protector of the family. If her brothers came home after a night of mischief, she would protect them from her father’s wrath! She was the glue that kept everyone together. Her involvement in 4H kept her out of trouble. She learned many new skills including sewing, yet found that sewing wasn’t her thing. Shy throughout her high school years, she graduated with the Class of 1960 from Union High. During these early years, Barb worked at a local dime store in Standale as well as the Wildflower, a women's retail store, owned by her Aunt Francis. Once she was out of high school, she went to work for the gas company and became a computer operator for IBM. After moving to Weidman, she went to work at the college in Mount Pleasant and for the Talsma Celery Farm. It was here that she met Bruce Talsma, her first love. They married in 1962 and raised three wonderful children, Terri, Jennifer, and Ben. The marriage eventually ended and Barb was left to raise the kids.

As a single mom, she was relentless in her courage and strength to raise her children independently. She worked hard and even started selling home interiors in the evening to supplement the family funds. Later in life, Barb started several businesses, “Billiards by Christopher” and her own store, Barstools and More. No matter how busy their lives were, Barb always cooked fresh cinnamon rolls on Sunday mornings and a pot roast with all the fixings for the family meal to end their weekends. She was an excellent cook and baker and the kids have tried to replicate her homemade tortilla recipe she learned during her time working at the Talsma farm, yet haven’t managed to get it just right. Nothing tasted as good as Barb’s!

When her children were growing, Barb made many sacrifices to keep them involved in their activities. She never missed a horse show for Terri and Jenny or one of Ben’s RC or go cart races. Much of her time was spent ensuring they had everything they needed to be successful. All major holidays were at her house with a big meal. Barb loved to make every holiday memorable and would go all out to create special memories with her growing family. Some would say she was over the top on many things, but she never settled for anything less than the best for her loved ones.

When it came time for Barb to spend her own time exploring, she held many special pastimes. She was an active member of the Walker Fitness Center and the Grand Rapids Ski Club. She loved to travel with her ski club to Colorado and never missed the annual birthday trips with her girls and husbands, and her sister, Marcia. Always up for adventure, Barb enjoyed trying new things and even went skydiving. There was never anything in life that she wasn’t willing to try! Recently, Barb was able to travel to Spain with Terri to visit her new grand baby. These memories will be etched on their hearts forever. She also enjoyed line dancing, watching the news, as well as movies! She was a long time member of Remembrance Church, where she made many lasting friendships.

A common thread throughout Barb’s life was the importance of family. When she retired in 2017, she was able to spend more time with her grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye! Highlights were always having them over to decorate Christmas cookies as well as go camping at Little Switzerland. She enjoyed playing Rumikub in the trailer while camping, hosting campfires at night, and participating in the 4th of July golf cart parades. Her grandkids remember how supportive she was of their interests and endeavors. An active listener, Barb would always pick up right where they left off showing genuine interest in their lives. A beautiful gift she gave them was always knowing they could confide in her about anything without the worry of embarrassment or judgment. They never doubted her love for them. Retirement also afforded her more time to care for her older sister. Barb spent a lot of time with her driving her to her appointments and taking care of anything she needed. Her gifts of time were greatly appreciated.

Sadly, Barb was diagnosed with some heart issues in 2023 which slowed her down. In May of 2025, she developed lung issues and she began to decline. Barb died peacefully on July 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Described as determined, energetic, and peaceful, Barb leaves behind a beautiful legacy of being accepting, involved, and always positive. She will be deeply missed. May her loved ones hold on to her special memories and allow them to warm their hearts for many years to come.

SMITH – Barbara Jean Smith of Grand Rapids, age 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 5, 2025. Barb leaves behind a legacy of Faith, Family and Friendships. Her smile and presence would light up any room, and she will be missed beyond measure. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Dorothy Smith; brother, Phil Smith and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Talsma. Barb is survived by her children, Terri (Jim) Bousaab; Jennifer Kittredge-Hageman (Ron Hageman) and Benjamin (Lindsey) Talsma; grandchildren, Jade (Franco) Garofolin, Amira (Gage) Selvius, Isabella Bousaab, William Kittredge, Nicholas Kittredge, Layla Kittredge, Grayson Talsma, Mason Skalandis, Trevor Talsma, Emma Skalandis, and Jillian Talsma; and great grandchildren, Amina Garofolin, Elia Garofolin, and Calev Garofolin. Also surviving are her siblings, Jennie Smith, Kay (Don) Owen, Paul (Sharon) Smith and Marcia Smith; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Remembrance Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd NW. Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11, at 10am at Remembrance Church before the funeral service. Celebrate Barb’s life by sharing a favorite story or picture on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com