Nancy Barrett

Nancy A. Barrett was born at a time when the United States was enjoying the peace and prosperity of post-WWII optimism. Growing families launched the baby boom era and worked to make the American Dream a reality. In the spring of 1955 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, one family was especially excited by the birth of a beautiful baby girl. Daughter Nancy was born to Rex Wesley and Jettie Mildred (Lemley) Tuttle on the 6th of May. Nancy grew up on Wilson Avenue in the close-knit community of the city’s northwest side. She attended Grandville Public Schools and played clarinet in the school band. Graduating from high school in 1973, Nancy went on to receive certification in cosmetology and business at Kent Skills Center. She was prepared with skills that could support her throughout her life.

Life took a wonderful turn in the late 1970’s when Nancy met Scott Barrett on a blind date that mutual friends arranged. They must have known that Nancy, though quiet around strangers, was fun (even crazy) and full of energy when she got to know people. Nancy and Scott hit it off and began a friendship that grew into love and commitment. They were married at Standale Reformed Church and honeymooned in upper Michigan. When their daughter Jettie was born in 1982 and son Wes in 1984, Nancy took to parenting as she lovingly cared for her family. She not only delighted in cooking and baking, she focused on the family dinners. It was important to Nancy that they all be together around the family table, where they shared their lives as well as a meal.

Nancy extended her cooking skills to many more children when she worked in Food Service for Kenowa Public Schools. She also led a cooking class at the G.R. Home for Veterans. Whether working or volunteering, Nancy had the joy of spending her career on doing what she loved.

Among her other enjoyments in life, Nancy liked making road trips to Florida and the unrivaled North of her home state. Whether home or away, Nancy loved the company of her dog, Teddy, and she kicked-back with the tunes of Willie Nelson or the Golden Oldies. Nancy loved life, but it was all too short.

Mrs. Nancy A. (Tuttle) Barrett, aged 52, of Marne passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Her family and friends will remember her as a warm, giving woman who touched their lives with love.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Mildred Tuttle; sister, Helen Eddy; brothers, Joe and Bill Tuttle, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Tuttle. Nancy is survived by her husband, Scott; daughter, Jettie C. Barrett; son, Wesley S. Barrett and fiancée Cayla A. Nyenhuis. Also surviving are her family, Deanna Paauwe, David Tuttle, Don (Mary) Tuttle, Lois (Bill) Hatch, David Eddy, Delores (Joe) Zokoe, Janet Villareal, and Laurie Shumaker; mother and father-in-law, Helen and Mel Barrett; 4 brothers-in-law and families; and several nieces and nephews. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 PM on Friday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may meet the family today from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. Entombment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan or Gilda’s Club would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, archive a photo or sign the guestbook.