Barbara
Barbara Foster
Barbara Foster of Kalamazoo, Michigan (formerly of Plainwell), went to be with her Lord unexpectedly Sunday, December 4, 2011. Mrs. Foster was born April 1, 1928 in Plainwell to Claude and Ethel (Clements) Chesnut and was a lifelong resident of the area.
Over the years, Barbara had worked as a caregiver for many people in their homes. She was very active in the Oakwood Bible Church.
Surviving are six children, Carol (Frank) Clark of Portage; Gail (Ron) Tutewiler of FL, Judy (Doug) Scheppelman of Cassopolis, Gary Foster (Chipper) of Allegan, Shirley Foster of Otsego and Michael (Claudine) Foster of CA; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul Chesnut, Lugene Chesnut and Virginia Burns; a sister-in-law, Betty King; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Foster in 2000; and siblings, Claude Chesnut and Mary Lou Howard.
Friends may visit with her family from 2-4 and from 6-8pm on Monday December 19, 2011 at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego
. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the Oakwood Bible Church, 1400 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, Pastor Steve Johnson officiating.
Contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to Reach Out For Christ Inc. or to the Oakwood Bible Church for missions. Messages of condolence may be left at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Barbara Foster
Condolence Messages
Allison Junkin (Nelson)
December 5, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Aunt Barb. This is just heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I know that she is with the Lord and for that I rejoice. I love you all.]
Allison
Reply
Sue Foster
December 5, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Dear Carol, Gail, Gary, Shirley and Mike,
I am so sorry to hear that Aunt Barb has gone home to be with the Lord, though she is likely ecstatic right now. Each of you are in my prayers for comfort and peace knowing she was unwavering in her Faith and a true Servant of Jesus. She will surely be missed here.
With Love and warm memories,
Sue
Reply
Loraine Pschigoda
December 5, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Please accept my sympathy and prayer in the untimely death of your mom. (I was at that same exit less than an hour before the accident.)
I have many fun memories of your mom. I will miss her. She was so faithful at our Wednesday Prayer Meetings that when she wasn’t there, we wondered why.
There is no doubt that she cared about people. In fact, she stayed with my friend’s mom one time at my suggestion. She often mentioned the people she was caring for and it was obvious that she cared about them and their relationship with the Lord.
Since she was always moving, I constantly teased her and often asked her if she had moved. In fact, just Friday night at our church Christmas Dinner I asked her that. Of course, she said, “No.”
When I heard the news today, I thought, she has moved one final time and there could be no better place than where she is.
Loraine Pschigoda
from Oakwood Bible Church
Reply
Marla Augustine
December 6, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Carol and Peter and Jon and families and siblings, we are so saddened at the loss of Barb She truly has always been a true child of God passing on her desires to help and comfort all that came her way. She will be missed terribly but the knowledge of her in her heavenly home is comfort to all. We will all meet again one day Our prayers are with you all and may that be a comfort to you. In God’s love. Ron and Marla Augustine. Frostproof FL
Reply
Tom and Barb Roxbury Haines City, FL.
December 6, 2011 at 9:47 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. We alway looked forward to visiting with Aunt Barb at the Family picnic. She now has her wings in Heaven with the Lord. May God be with you all at this time.With Love Tom and Barb
Reply
Darlene Hammer and Betsie Hammer
December 6, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Carol, Never an easy way or an easy time to say goodbye to our mom….this loss seems especially tragic. Our hearts go out you in your grieving but rejoice that your mom knew the Savior! Our love and prayers are with you dear friend! Betsie and Darlene and David
Reply
Patty (Martin) Richardson
December 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was like a second mother to me. Barb and my mother (Marge) were the best of friends. Your mother helped guide me in my spiritual upbringing. I stayed at your parents home many times when I was growing up. I have fond memories of waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and hearing Barb in the kitchen whistling a cheerful tune. To this day…whenever I hear someone whistling, I think of Barb. She was a wonderful and giving woman of faith. When I was going through a particularly dark time in my life, Barb moved away from her home, family and friends in Michigan to live with me in south Florida. My family and I are forever grateful to her and all of you for your sacrifice…in order to help me out. Then, years later,when I had surgery…once again Barb dropped everything to fly to Florida to help me during my recovery. I can’t think of anyone else who would repeatedly put someone else’s needs above their own but…as we all know…that was just the kind of woman that your mother was. I have no doubt that Barb was greeted at Heaven’s gates with open arms only to hear the words…”Well done good and faithful servant!” I am saddened that Barb is no longer with us here on earth but…I find joy and comfort in knowing that she is spending this Christmas with Jesus…whistling a cheerful little tune for the other angels. I shall miss Barb more than anyone can imagine. She was an amazing lady, my spiritual mentor, my surrogate mother…and the list goes on. I will miss our phone conversations…she was the voice of reason whenever I was struggling and lost. I pray that we all find peace and comfort as your mother watches over us from heaven…just as she did while she was here with us. I am here for all of you. I send you all my love and…of course…Hugs
Reply
Kali Opdyke
December 6, 2011 at 11:04 pm
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Aunt Barb she was an exceptional woman, beautiful inside and out. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love Kali
Reply
Joy Stowell
December 7, 2011 at 8:00 am
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time of griveing, know that if I can help in any way to let me know .love aunt Joy
Reply
Naomi (Holly) Bryant
December 7, 2011 at 12:07 pm
heart felt prayers to Barbs family and those that she treated as family. she will be greatly missed. God bless all of you
Reply
Steve Foster
December 7, 2011 at 1:23 pm
So sorry for the loss of Aunt Barb … she was truly the Mother Teresa of South West Michigan … Her rich life will be truly missed
Reply
Chris Miller
December 7, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Carol, I was so sorry to hear the news from Gerri today. I must have missed the news about the accident in the newspaper.
I know you are rejoicing that she is in heaven, but it will leave a void in your family.
Love, chris
Reply
Clark, Cathy, Cristin and Anton Milioti
December 7, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Michael,
We were shocked to hear of this tragedy. Our thoughts and hearts are with you and your family at this time.
Reply
Teri Laster
December 8, 2011 at 6:06 am
Carol and Family, so very sorry for your loss. Your mom left you all a wonderful legacy. I pray that brings you great comfort and also knowing that she is safe, happy and rejoicing in her new home with our Lord. Much love and hugs Carol. I am praying for a peaceful heart for you.
Reply
Melinda Bordes
December 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Dear Gail and Familly,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From all that I have read it is easy to see what a lovely person your mom was. Please know that I will be sending prayers your way for understanding and healing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through the next few weeks. May God protect you and your family as you all travel to join together to celebrate your moms life.
Hugs…Melinda
Reply
David & JoEllen Little
December 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Our sympathy and love are being sent to your family. Barbara always spoke to us in church. Her smile and quiet ways were very refreshing. She was a dear lady and we will miss her. May you feel God’s comfort at this time.
In Christ,
David and JoEllen Little
Reply
Robin (Hummel) Clark
December 13, 2011 at 6:41 am
Shirley and all….so sorry to hear about this tragic accident. I am so grateful for the time she spent with Dad and I know others are too. Remember the good times and know she’s having more good times with those that went before.
Reply
Susan Wines
December 16, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Aunt Barb stayed with us in Fort Worth Texas for several months to help take care of her sister (and my mom) Mary Lou Howard. It was a tremendous help and a great chance for my sister Kate Carruth and me to get to know her better as we had never lived nearby. Plus it was nice to know that my mom didn’t embellish the family stories as Aunt Barb told the same ones! We chatted on the phone at least once a month after my mom died and I felt treasured. She kept me apprised of everyone else, too. She will be missed.
Reply
John Saucedo and Family
December 19, 2011 at 9:06 am
The Foster family was like a second family to my family. Barb was like our second mom. I am so sorry to hear about this. Our thoughts are with you during this tough time. There was alot of good times out on Miller Rd. Take care and know that we are here for all of you.
Johnny
Reply
Kate Carruth
December 19, 2011 at 10:54 am
As my sister said, it was a great help and comfort when Aunt Barbara came to stay with our mother. We did feel we got to know her a little. I was so very saddened to hear that we lost her in such a way but, as everyone has said so far, her faith has lifted her up. I’m sure she is a guardian angel, helping people now as in life. Still, we will miss her a lot.
Reply
Stub Bramblett
December 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm
To all of the Foster children and Virginia, Paul and Bud.
Sorry that I will be unable to attend the memorial service for Barbara but I did want to express some of my thoughts.
Barbara was a good Christian woman who always tried to help people and spread the word of the Gospel. I believe she felt that her mission.
She came to help me several times after Johnny passed away. I don’t know how I would have made the move from my home without her, but she would never let you do anything for her in return.
When she turned her life over to the Lord (it must have been 1946 or 1947) her mother said, “Barbara has that old time religion like Grandma Newman had.” I think Grandma Newman was Pentocostal. Barbara did love the Lord and followed his word completely.
We will miss her but we know where she is and we know she is happy to be with Jesus.
My love to all of you.
Stub
Reply
Pam Kent (Bramblett)
December 19, 2011 at 5:14 pm
My prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Aunt Barb was there to help my Mom get ready to move from the house and into the townhouse, she was always willing to help when needed. I have always talked about the summers of being with everyone down in Plainwell and am very glad that my children had the opportunity to get to know Aunt Barb as well, she will be greatly missed.
Love, Pam
Reply
Ruth and Carol Newman, Jan (Newman) Brinkert
December 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Barb was known to us as a favorite cousin of Myron “Barney” Newman of Martin, husband of Ruth and father of Carol and Jan. She called or visited and frequently was met while shopping at Meijers in Plainwell. Since Barney’s death in 2007, Barb still would call or visit Ruth, having done so just recently. Several years ago
Jan worked at Bronson Hospital and met Barb’s daughter, Gail, who had recognized the Newman name and explained her own connection to the family. Please accept our sympathy at the loss of this lovely woman, recognized as God’s daughter and servant.
Ruth, Carol and Jan
Reply
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Over the years, Barbara had worked as a caregiver for many people in their homes. She was very active in the Oakwood Bible Church.
Surviving are six children, Carol (Frank) Clark of Portage; Gail (Ron) Tutewiler of FL, Judy (Doug) Scheppelman of Cassopolis, Gary Foster (Chipper) of Allegan, Shirley Foster of Otsego and Michael (Claudine) Foster of CA; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul Chesnut, Lugene Chesnut and Virginia Burns; a sister-in-law, Betty King; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Foster in 2000; and siblings, Claude Chesnut and Mary Lou Howard.
Friends may visit with her family from 2-4 and from 6-8pm on Monday December 19, 2011 at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego
. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the Oakwood Bible Church, 1400 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, Pastor Steve Johnson officiating.
Contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to Reach Out For Christ Inc. or to the Oakwood Bible Church for missions. Messages of condolence may be left at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Barbara Foster
Condolence Messages
Allison Junkin (Nelson)
December 5, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Aunt Barb. This is just heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I know that she is with the Lord and for that I rejoice. I love you all.]
Allison
Reply
Sue Foster
December 5, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Dear Carol, Gail, Gary, Shirley and Mike,
I am so sorry to hear that Aunt Barb has gone home to be with the Lord, though she is likely ecstatic right now. Each of you are in my prayers for comfort and peace knowing she was unwavering in her Faith and a true Servant of Jesus. She will surely be missed here.
With Love and warm memories,
Sue
Reply
Loraine Pschigoda
December 5, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Please accept my sympathy and prayer in the untimely death of your mom. (I was at that same exit less than an hour before the accident.)
I have many fun memories of your mom. I will miss her. She was so faithful at our Wednesday Prayer Meetings that when she wasn’t there, we wondered why.
There is no doubt that she cared about people. In fact, she stayed with my friend’s mom one time at my suggestion. She often mentioned the people she was caring for and it was obvious that she cared about them and their relationship with the Lord.
Since she was always moving, I constantly teased her and often asked her if she had moved. In fact, just Friday night at our church Christmas Dinner I asked her that. Of course, she said, “No.”
When I heard the news today, I thought, she has moved one final time and there could be no better place than where she is.
Loraine Pschigoda
from Oakwood Bible Church
Reply
Marla Augustine
December 6, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Carol and Peter and Jon and families and siblings, we are so saddened at the loss of Barb She truly has always been a true child of God passing on her desires to help and comfort all that came her way. She will be missed terribly but the knowledge of her in her heavenly home is comfort to all. We will all meet again one day Our prayers are with you all and may that be a comfort to you. In God’s love. Ron and Marla Augustine. Frostproof FL
Reply
Tom and Barb Roxbury Haines City, FL.
December 6, 2011 at 9:47 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. We alway looked forward to visiting with Aunt Barb at the Family picnic. She now has her wings in Heaven with the Lord. May God be with you all at this time.With Love Tom and Barb
Reply
Darlene Hammer and Betsie Hammer
December 6, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Carol, Never an easy way or an easy time to say goodbye to our mom….this loss seems especially tragic. Our hearts go out you in your grieving but rejoice that your mom knew the Savior! Our love and prayers are with you dear friend! Betsie and Darlene and David
Reply
Patty (Martin) Richardson
December 6, 2011 at 10:06 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was like a second mother to me. Barb and my mother (Marge) were the best of friends. Your mother helped guide me in my spiritual upbringing. I stayed at your parents home many times when I was growing up. I have fond memories of waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and hearing Barb in the kitchen whistling a cheerful tune. To this day…whenever I hear someone whistling, I think of Barb. She was a wonderful and giving woman of faith. When I was going through a particularly dark time in my life, Barb moved away from her home, family and friends in Michigan to live with me in south Florida. My family and I are forever grateful to her and all of you for your sacrifice…in order to help me out. Then, years later,when I had surgery…once again Barb dropped everything to fly to Florida to help me during my recovery. I can’t think of anyone else who would repeatedly put someone else’s needs above their own but…as we all know…that was just the kind of woman that your mother was. I have no doubt that Barb was greeted at Heaven’s gates with open arms only to hear the words…”Well done good and faithful servant!” I am saddened that Barb is no longer with us here on earth but…I find joy and comfort in knowing that she is spending this Christmas with Jesus…whistling a cheerful little tune for the other angels. I shall miss Barb more than anyone can imagine. She was an amazing lady, my spiritual mentor, my surrogate mother…and the list goes on. I will miss our phone conversations…she was the voice of reason whenever I was struggling and lost. I pray that we all find peace and comfort as your mother watches over us from heaven…just as she did while she was here with us. I am here for all of you. I send you all my love and…of course…Hugs
Reply
Kali Opdyke
December 6, 2011 at 11:04 pm
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Aunt Barb she was an exceptional woman, beautiful inside and out. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love Kali
Reply
Joy Stowell
December 7, 2011 at 8:00 am
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time of griveing, know that if I can help in any way to let me know .love aunt Joy
Reply
Naomi (Holly) Bryant
December 7, 2011 at 12:07 pm
heart felt prayers to Barbs family and those that she treated as family. she will be greatly missed. God bless all of you
Reply
Steve Foster
December 7, 2011 at 1:23 pm
So sorry for the loss of Aunt Barb … she was truly the Mother Teresa of South West Michigan … Her rich life will be truly missed
Reply
Chris Miller
December 7, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Carol, I was so sorry to hear the news from Gerri today. I must have missed the news about the accident in the newspaper.
I know you are rejoicing that she is in heaven, but it will leave a void in your family.
Love, chris
Reply
Clark, Cathy, Cristin and Anton Milioti
December 7, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Michael,
We were shocked to hear of this tragedy. Our thoughts and hearts are with you and your family at this time.
Reply
Teri Laster
December 8, 2011 at 6:06 am
Carol and Family, so very sorry for your loss. Your mom left you all a wonderful legacy. I pray that brings you great comfort and also knowing that she is safe, happy and rejoicing in her new home with our Lord. Much love and hugs Carol. I am praying for a peaceful heart for you.
Reply
Melinda Bordes
December 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Dear Gail and Familly,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From all that I have read it is easy to see what a lovely person your mom was. Please know that I will be sending prayers your way for understanding and healing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through the next few weeks. May God protect you and your family as you all travel to join together to celebrate your moms life.
Hugs…Melinda
Reply
David & JoEllen Little
December 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Our sympathy and love are being sent to your family. Barbara always spoke to us in church. Her smile and quiet ways were very refreshing. She was a dear lady and we will miss her. May you feel God’s comfort at this time.
In Christ,
David and JoEllen Little
Reply
Robin (Hummel) Clark
December 13, 2011 at 6:41 am
Shirley and all….so sorry to hear about this tragic accident. I am so grateful for the time she spent with Dad and I know others are too. Remember the good times and know she’s having more good times with those that went before.
Reply
Susan Wines
December 16, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Aunt Barb stayed with us in Fort Worth Texas for several months to help take care of her sister (and my mom) Mary Lou Howard. It was a tremendous help and a great chance for my sister Kate Carruth and me to get to know her better as we had never lived nearby. Plus it was nice to know that my mom didn’t embellish the family stories as Aunt Barb told the same ones! We chatted on the phone at least once a month after my mom died and I felt treasured. She kept me apprised of everyone else, too. She will be missed.
Reply
John Saucedo and Family
December 19, 2011 at 9:06 am
The Foster family was like a second family to my family. Barb was like our second mom. I am so sorry to hear about this. Our thoughts are with you during this tough time. There was alot of good times out on Miller Rd. Take care and know that we are here for all of you.
Johnny
Reply
Kate Carruth
December 19, 2011 at 10:54 am
As my sister said, it was a great help and comfort when Aunt Barbara came to stay with our mother. We did feel we got to know her a little. I was so very saddened to hear that we lost her in such a way but, as everyone has said so far, her faith has lifted her up. I’m sure she is a guardian angel, helping people now as in life. Still, we will miss her a lot.
Reply
Stub Bramblett
December 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm
To all of the Foster children and Virginia, Paul and Bud.
Sorry that I will be unable to attend the memorial service for Barbara but I did want to express some of my thoughts.
Barbara was a good Christian woman who always tried to help people and spread the word of the Gospel. I believe she felt that her mission.
She came to help me several times after Johnny passed away. I don’t know how I would have made the move from my home without her, but she would never let you do anything for her in return.
When she turned her life over to the Lord (it must have been 1946 or 1947) her mother said, “Barbara has that old time religion like Grandma Newman had.” I think Grandma Newman was Pentocostal. Barbara did love the Lord and followed his word completely.
We will miss her but we know where she is and we know she is happy to be with Jesus.
My love to all of you.
Stub
Reply
Pam Kent (Bramblett)
December 19, 2011 at 5:14 pm
My prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Aunt Barb was there to help my Mom get ready to move from the house and into the townhouse, she was always willing to help when needed. I have always talked about the summers of being with everyone down in Plainwell and am very glad that my children had the opportunity to get to know Aunt Barb as well, she will be greatly missed.
Love, Pam
Reply
Ruth and Carol Newman, Jan (Newman) Brinkert
December 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Barb was known to us as a favorite cousin of Myron “Barney” Newman of Martin, husband of Ruth and father of Carol and Jan. She called or visited and frequently was met while shopping at Meijers in Plainwell. Since Barney’s death in 2007, Barb still would call or visit Ruth, having done so just recently. Several years ago
Jan worked at Bronson Hospital and met Barb’s daughter, Gail, who had recognized the Newman name and explained her own connection to the family. Please accept our sympathy at the loss of this lovely woman, recognized as God’s daughter and servant.
Ruth, Carol and Jan
Reply
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