Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Gillies Funeral Home - Lincoln

104 W. Alger Street

Lincoln, Michigan

Barbara Oliver Obituary

It is with both sorrow and love that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Kay Oliver of Lincoln, at the age of 85, after a recent illness.
"Barb," as she was affectionately known to all, was born in Ann Arbor, on Nov. 13, 1940, to J. Robert St. Clair and Freda (Herrmann) St. Clair.
Barb was a proud 1958 graduate of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, where she met many lifelong friends. She quickly put her Cleary Business College skills to work in several office management positions, where serving others became a lifelong passion.
Barb met John Oliver in Ann Arbor, in 1966. They were married in 1967, beginning a 58-year partnership filled with love, adventure, and raising their children, Jason and Robin. John's land surveying career took off and the young family moved to Alcona County, where Barb was instrumental in supporting John's business, which has flourished across Northeast Michigan for the past 40 years.
All who knew her would agree that Barb was kind, authentic, accepting, and welcoming to all. She loved her community of Lincoln, beautiful Brownlee Lake, UofM football (Go Blue!), traveling across Michigan in John's '40 Ford, and her cats! Oh, those cats!
Barb is survived by her husband, John; her two children, Jason Oliver (Gail) of Charlotte, N.C. and Robin Oliver of Lincoln; and her two grandchildren, Cypress Oliver of Chicago, Ill. and Matthew Oliver of Belmar, N.J.
Barb's family asks that you consider making a donation to your local Humane Society, in lieu of flowers. A celebration of life will be planned for spring/summer of 2026.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Iosco County News-Herald from Dec. 18 to Dec. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Oliver

Sponsored by Gillies Funeral Home - Lincoln.

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Barbara Oliver's name

Memorial Events
for Barbara Oliver

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gillies Funeral Home - Lincoln

104 W. Alger Street, Lincoln, MI 48742

How to support Barbara's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Barbara Oliver's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more