Barbara L. Blondia

Barbara Louise Hurtekant Blondia, 82, of Richland, passed away August 12, 2022 at Gull Arbor Senior Living. Barbara was born on March 12, 1940 in Mishawaka, IN to the late Madeline and Rudolph Hurtekant. Barbara grew up in the Mishawaka area and attended St. Bavos Catholic School through 8th grade. She graduated from Madison Township High School in 1958. She attended Holy Cross School of Nursing, receiving her R.N. in August of 1961. Barbara married James Blondia on February 17, 1962 and celebrated 60 years together. They moved to Richland, MI in the spring of 1966 and started a family Barbara was active in the Richland Library and served on the Board of Directors that made the library what it is today. She worked on many quilts for raffles and book sale fundraisers. Barbara was employed as a nurse at Borgess Hospital for 22 years and after retirement she volunteered in spiritual care. Barbara was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. She was active in many activities and served years as a lay minister. Barbara is survived by her husband, Jim; their children, Beth (Mark) Rhodes of Richland, Jeanne Blondia of Richland and Joe (Elizabeth) Blondia of Maple City; six grandchildren, Emily and Cody Rhodes, Joey and Ellie Blondia, Kate and Jamie Blondia and two brothers, Tom (Joanne) Hurtekant and Bob Hurtekant. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, JoAnn Youngman and an infant son, James Michael Blondia. Visitation will be Friday, August 19, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Barbara's life will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. Ann Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Richland Community Library, Camp John Marc or Sisters of St. Joseph. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.