Barbara Boulton

Barbara Boulton
Barbara Anne (Boyle) Boulton, known fondly to friends and family as Barb, passed away peacefully at home May 19th, 2025 at the age of 97. Her life was a testament to family, faith, and service with a dash of fun.
The youngest of six children, she was born September 27, 1927 to the late Cornelius Boyle and Hazel Ellsworth in Detroit, MI. Her late siblings include Charles (Helen) Boyle, Cecelia (Louis) Munger, Wella (Carmen) Munger, Betty (Sidney) Munger, and Mary (Bud) Hull.
Due to the death of her mother and the harsh reality of the Great Depression, Barb spent her childhood with foster parents Emma and William Buckley at their farm in Emmet, MI. At about age 15 Barb moved back to Midland, MI where she attended Midland High School and later met her husband Joseph A. (Mickey) Boulton while he was on leave from the Navy. They were married 52 years and together they raised a family that would come to include Gayle (David) Ode, Joseph (Judy) Boulton, Michael (Sue) Boulton, Patrick (Bonnie) Boulton, and Kathleen Boulton-Pnacek. Barb's family continued to grow with the births of her 15 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, with another blessing expected in September.
Barb's professional life included a remarkable 40-years of service at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where she was affectionately known as the "Cemetery Lady." Her compassion and warm presence supported innumerable families during their times of loss. She retired at the age of 80.
In her personal life, Barb was a beacon of faith and service. For nearly six decades, she was an active member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Midland, MI. Along with countless other roles, she served as a lector, choir member, and Eucharistic Minister. Barb performed with "Virginia and Friends" as Mistress of Ceremonies and brought joy to many seniors in nursing homes in Midland. Another highlight was singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" with the Midland Catholic Choirs at Loons Games.
Travel was another of Barb's passions, with memorable trips to Hawaii, Ireland, France, and Italy. Winters spent in Orange Beach, AL were a special treat. With the support of her daughter Kathy, who moved in with her after retirement, Barb continued to enjoy and explore life embarking on numerous journeys across the United States. They visited many MLB stadiums, combining her love for travel and her enthusiasm for the Tigers.
Barb's zest for life extended to her fondness for casinos. She never met one she didn't like, and she was lucky! She once won an Indian motorcycle. Her minivan, dubbed "The Widow Wagon", was a testament to her adventurous personality as she embarked on monthly trips with friends.
Those who knew Barb would describe her as a woman whose enthusiasm for life was contagious. She was a cherished matriarch, a devoted friend, and a true pillar of her community. Her embrace was as warm as her smile. Her unwavering faith, and the love she shared with those around her will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family gives special thanks to her ever-thoughtful nephew Edwin Munger, her dear friend Mary Ann Sczypanski, her caregiver Ruth Boman, and the kind people of Hospice.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 3516 E. Monroe Rd. with live streaming available and burial to follow in New Calvary Cemetery. Barb's family will receive friends at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Liturgy. Music and a vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Due to family members with severe allergies, it is requested that visitors refrain from the use of perfumes, heavily scented products, and fragrant flowers.
Donations in Barb's memory may be made to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Larkin Township Fire and Rescue, and MyMichigan Health Hospice.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Boulton family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.