Barbara B. Coburn-Whitaker passed into heaven July 22, 2023, at Pine Ridge Nursing Home.
She was born on May 4, 1936 in Marlette, Michigan to Edward and Marion Jarvis.
Funeral services will be celebrated Thursday, July 27, at 12 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church in Watervliet with visitation starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Coloma Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her first husband.
Barbara was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, widows club and North Berrien Senior Center. She loved animals and during her adulthood had two dogs and 14 cats; at one point having six cats at the same time.
Barbara married Frank Coburn Sr. on Feb. 6, 1965; they enjoyed 30 years together until he died in 1996. On June 23, 2018, she married Lawrence R. “Bob” Whitaker who also precedes her in death.
Barbara worked for Berrien County Equalization Department for many years up to retirement. She loved to travel and take care of her animal family.
She is survived by: a brother, Darrell (Gail) Jarvis; stepsons Mark (Donna) Coburn Sr., Lee Roy (Denise) Whitaker, Lawrence John (Cheryl) Whitaker; stepdaughter Lisa (Frank) Nykamp; three nephews; four nieces; numerous step grand and great-grandchildren; and her companion cat of 16 years, Tony.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, a brother James Jarvis Sr., two husbands, two stepsons, and two step granddaughters.
Memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to Plymouth Congregational Church, North Berrien Senior Center, or Southwest Michigan Humane Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hutchins Funeral Home. You may leave a message of comfort at hutchinsfuneral.com.