Barbara Jeanne Olds, 97, of Hartford, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Timbers in Dowagiac, MI.
Her life began July 10, 1924, the only child of John M. and Mildred Sholl. Barbara graduated from Calumet High School in Chicago, IL. She married Lawrence E. Olds in Chicago in 1947. They met at Paw Paw Lake in Watervliet while visiting her aunt, uncle, and cousin Helen Jackson. Helen was engaged to Larry’s brother Philip.
Barbara was a city girl and worked at Marshall Fields and sold war bonds during World War II. Her friends thought she would never like the country life. Barbara loved Michigan and never returned to the big city. She and Larry went to Lake Michigan whenever they could and developed a fabulous tan each summer.
Barbara worked at Kellogg Hardware and Smith Lumber in Hartford. She also volunteered at the Little League concession stand and belonged to the Junior Mother’s Club and Bunco Club. She was well known in Hartford for her love of ice cream.
Barbara will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Holly (William) Kays of Hartford; her son, Todd (Frances) Olds of Tarpons Springs, FL; daughter-in-law, Linda Bulat Olds of Hartford; six grandchildren, Brian (Christine) Kays, Kristin Kays, Lindsay (Nick) Blackmer, Matthew (Erin) Olds, Jamin (Katie) Olds, Emmett (Megan) Blandin; ten great-grandchildren, Hunter Kays, Hayden and Cooper Blackmer, Mallory, Morgan and Emery Olds, Ava, Drake and Cora Olds and Liam Blandin.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1993 and her son Mark A. Olds in 2005.
The family will observe a private remembrance. Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford.
The family prefers that any donations in Barbara’s memory be made to the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. To leave online condolence, visit www.calvin-leonardfh.com.