Barbara Marie (Walker) Anderson

Barbara Marie (Walker) Anderson, age 96, left for her final journey on July 4, 2025. She loved fireworks, so it was fitting that she passed in time to view the pyrotechnics from a front row seat. Barbara was a force of nature and a world traveler who visited many countries around the globe. She visited most of the countries in Europe, as well as Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand and too many others to list; she traveled to all the continents except Antarctica. Barbara took each of her granddaughters on a five week tour of Europe for their high school graduation. Barbara loved cruises and enjoyed many with friends and family. Each time she returned home she was looking for her next adventure.

Barbara was born in Battle Creek in 1928 to Wayne and Gertrude Walker. She lost her mother at nine which helped shape her into a fiercely independent woman. Barbara excelled at school and later earned a degree in Nursing from Kellogg Community College. She worked as a surgical scrub nurse for many years at Community Hospital. She taught part time in the nursing program for eight years at KCC. Barbara was co-owner of Mid Michigan Surgical Supply and Mid Michigan Fashions.

Barbara was an outstanding Bridge player and perfected her game with over 70 years of experience. While living at Northpointe Woods in her later years, she enjoyed playing games such as bridge, euchre, hand and foot and bingo. She never passed on a trip to the casino and was surprisingly lucky.

Barbara loved to cook and had a large collection of cookbooks from around the country. She loved to entertain and her guests and family enjoyed many fine meals around her table. Her prime rib soup was always a hit. Barbara was a lifelong reader. Her home was filled with books. Barbara always kept up with current events and politics and always had an opinion which she freely shared. She was the “Dear Abby” of the family, always offering advice on food, finance, medical issues and romance. Barbara loved to talk to people and never met a stranger who didn't have a story to tell. Barbara was a member of the Altrusa Club of Battle Creek for over 50 years, the Battle Creek Women’s Social Club, and PEO. Barbara volunteered at the Battle Creek Hospice Care Center for eight years. She loved spending time in Florida with friends and family.

The family is grateful to the 3rd floor medical staff at Bronson Hospital. Barbara was very impressed with her two day shift nurses and raved about what excellent nurses they were. During her final days, Barbara was surrounded by her family at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan. Their compassion and support helped Barbara and her family navigate the end of a life well lived.

Barbara is survived by her sons Robert (Mary) Anderson and Steven (Janet) Anderson. Her grandchildren Tara (John) Lulich, Jennifer (Fernando) Rosa, Rebecca Anderson, Renee (Mike) Medler, and Vinson (Chrissy) Surprenant. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren Riley, Nick, Justin, Hannah, Hunter, Addison, Jon and Roderick. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Montgomery and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her second mother Hazel Walker Ford, her brother Jerry Walker and her former husband, Raymond Anderson.

Per Barbara’s request there will be a family memorial at a later date. Barbara has asked that no flowers be sent and memorial donations be made to Eaton County Palliative Care, 2615 S. Cochran, Charlotte Michigan 48813.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.