Barbara Ingrid Callendar

Barbara Ingrid Callendar, 73, of Benton Harbor, passed away unexpectedly on June 30th. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be made to the First Congregational UCC Mission Fund. Those wishing to sign Barb’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Barbara was born on May 1, 1948 in Homberg, Germany to Josef & Else Baumann. Barbara came to the United States in 1951 and spent her childhood years in Benton Harbor, Michigan, attending Benton Harbor High School where she met her husband, Gary. After graduating high school, class of 1966, and being married December 28, 1968 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, she and Gary set off on many great adventures. They lived in Corpus Christi, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida and then finally built a life and family together in Brighton, Michigan. Barbara's achievements were many and her impact was vast. She earned her degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and has earned the title Master Gardener. She was a member of the Indian Hills Garden Club and loved to play in the dirt in her garden. Barbara also helped women in peril at LACASA Center in Howell, MI and supported others at their most critical moments as a Hospice Volunteer. She worshipped and served Christ as a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Brighton, Michigan and was currently a member of First Congregational UCC in St. Joseph. She was active in Bible Study, the women’s group, the annual rummage sale and numerous other Church activities. Barbara was a very proud Navy wife, supporting Gary in his Naval Career as a pilot. Most importantly she was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend to so many people. She was preceded in death by her parents, Else & Josef Baumann and her brother-in-law, Rick Smith. She is survived by her husband, Gary, brothers, Gary (Denise) Baumann and Josef (Kathy) Baumann, sister, Elise Baumann Smith, daughter, Amy (David) Callahan, sons, Rory (Jenni) Callendar and William (Melinda White) Callendar, and grandchildren, Jackson (Kaylee) Callahan, Benjamin Callahan, Madison Callahan, Chloe Callendar, Josie Callendar and Maxwell Callendar.