Ann Dunbar LaBarge

1934 - 2019

SUN LAKES, Ariz. - On Jan. 19, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Sun Lakes, Ariz., Ann Dunbar LaBarge went home to God. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her joy in life was her family.

Her husband of 32 years, James O. LaBarge, survives. She is also survived by her children and their families: Brian (Karen) Dunbar of Fort Collins, Colo.; Bruce (Julie) Dunbar of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Paul Dunbar (partner Dr. Kathleen Phelps) of Traverse City, Mich.; Katherine J. (Daniel) Jarchow of Chandler, Ariz.; and stepdaughter, Jami C. (Kevin) Ferguson of Cheshire, Conn.; grandchildren, Donald L. Dunbar, Mark L. (Stella) Dunbar, Gabriel R. (Caitlin) Dunbar, Caroline J. (Luke) Andrews, Kyle D. Dunbar (partner Meghan Hammitt); Courtney A. Conradi, Harrison R. Dunbar, Charles J. Conradi, Owen P. Ferguson, Mary Catherine Ferguson, Kimberly Jarchow and Veronica Jarchow; and great-grandchildren (the children of Mark and Stella Dunbar), Charlton J. Dunbar, Bennett S. Dunbar and Eloise M. Dunbar. She is also survived by her brother, Paul (Diane) Meyers, and their family.

Ann Marie Meyers was born Oct. 20, 1934, in Monroe, Mich., to Catharine (Mohrhoff) and Francis. She attended Zion Lutheran Elementary School through eighth grade where her maternal grandfather was principal. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1952 with a degree in secretarial studies.

She began her career at Monroe Auto Equipment as a secretary. On a blind date she was introduced to an army veteran and aspiring architect, Donald Hill Dunbar. Arriving home after their first date she announced to her mother that she had met the man she was going to marry.

On May 22, 1954, Ann and Donald Dunbar were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Monroe. They moved to Lansing, Mich., where Don pursued his architecture career and Ann worked as a legal secretary. She became secretary to gubernatorial candidate Dr. Paul Bagwell.

Although Ann enjoyed her secretarial work, her true ambition was to raise a family and create a home. The Dunbars settled in their hometown, Monroe, and had four children. Tragically, Don's life was cut short at age 49 by melanoma. At the time of his death their two oldest children were in college, the younger two in grade school. At age 42, Ann was thrust into the role of single parent and sole provider.

Relocating to Adrian, Ann continued her career in real estate sales. She was a consummate hostess, entertaining family, friends and dignitaries in her lovely home. Notably, she hosted a dinner for the entertainer Art Linkletter when he was in town to speak, and, most proudly, a tea for Barbara Bush during the presidential bid of George H. W. Bush.

On April 12, 1986, she married James O. LaBarge. Their union was happy and Ann often said Jim made her laugh every day. After Jim's retirement they relocated to Sun Lakes, Ariz. Summers were spent in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at The Hiawatha Club on Lake Millecoquins near the town of Engadine. Avid golfers, Ann and Jim enjoyed many happy hours on the links in Arizona and Michigan.

A cornerstone of her legacy is the many family meals and events where Ann always had the family favorites (ham with cheese grits for Sunday dinner) along with a plethora of new recipes she tried. Her family was always rewarded with a delicious meal beautifully presented; but, best of all, a shared experience of warm and loving family time.

Ann was devout in her belief in Jesus. Her strong faith helped her through her trials and was the source of her grateful heart. During her last illness, she told her grandchildren, Courtney and Charles, to trust God in all things and to look to Him for strength in difficult times. Even at the end of her own earthly struggles, her concern was the welfare of her family.

We love you and will miss you always. Rest in peace in God's loving embrace.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center at leadersandbest.umich.edu. Memorial services are pending in Arizona and Michigan.