Barbara Joan Gingell

Barbara Joan (Roehl) Gingell died peacefully at home on December 5, 2025. Born in Detroit, Michigan on October 5, 1929, to Clement Christopher Roehl and Lucille Bernadette LaCasse; she spent a remarkable 96 years earthside – many of them in Farmington, Brighton, and Livonia, Michigan.

She attended St Cecila Elementary School and was in the first graduating class of Our Lady of Mercy High School. While working at Dr. Brown's dental office, Barbara met Walter Gingell; they fell in love and were married in 1952. Together they raised seven children and established a family business which is still in existence.

Barbara – also affectionately known as Barb, Mom, Grammie, Gram Gram, Graham Cracker – lived life on her own terms. She was unapologetically herself in her relationships, in her art, and in the way she spent her time – accomplishing a lifetime of unforgettable adventures, friendships, and memories.

Her genuine presence reached into the hearts of everyone that knew and met her, creating spaces for true human connection and, ultimately – joy. She asked bold questions, spoke her truth, and seized any opportunity to say something funny. When you were with her you felt seen – and she let you see her, too. It's no wonder she so often walked away from new places with yet another best friend. Babies and fellow artists especially loved her.

Her artwork – alive with color, movement, and fearless abstraction – was also a reflection of the way she moved through the world with authenticity and light. She saw beauty everywhere and brought it to life in her own vibrant, unique way. In each expressive brushstroke, multi-medium placement, or crewel stitch, she shared a piece of her spirit: bold, curious, and utterly original. Much of her art was inspired by her expansive, global travels. She would paint scenes that spoke to her, using methods she learned in workshops from around the world – in places like Italy, France, England, Australia, and New Zeeland, to name a few.

This innate aliveness was also evidenced by her favorite color – yellow – and her love of New York City shopping and museums/theater, murder mystery novels, and authentic cuisine – though she also appreciated a good soap opera and tuna sandwich. Reading deserves a special shout out, as it was especially characteristic of her, like her art. She was an avid reader and would routinely finish a book the same day she'd start it – losing herself in the magic and thrill of the stories.

The creativity that filled her life shaped the lives of those around her – reminding us that the world is more beautiful when we dare to see it through our own eyes. This is the legacy she leaves for the 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren that survive her. She will be deeply missed by all, especially her children: Deborah Knight (Desmond Kirkland), Ruthanne Gingell (wife of the late Dr. Gregory Gingell), Barbara (Steven) Groh, Paul (Janet) Gingell, Mary Lucille Guibord, Elizabeth (Joseph) Ewald, and John Gingell.

She was predeceased – and loved – by her parents, sister Lucille Ann Mikkelson, husband Walter Gingell, son Dr. Gregory Gingell, son-in-law Donald Guibord, and grandson Christopher Gingell.

Let us remember Barb's greatest lesson as we move forward with her in our hearts – life is beautiful, seize it.

The Gingell family will receive guests on Sunday, December 14, 1-6:30 pm, with a 5 pm Rosary, at the funeral home.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 15, 10 am (in state 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.

Interment will take place Monday at 3 pm at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 1390 North Freer Road, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Memorial tributes are suggested to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen.