Barbara Jean Odermatt

Barbara Jean Odermatt was born December 23, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, and passed away peacefully January 8, 2026, at noon, surrounded by family. She was 85.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She spent much of her life raising her children and caring for her family. She proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years as a Huey helicopter mechanic, achieving the rank of sergeant. She later owned and operated a bar in Savannah, Georgia, for ten years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Ellis Barber; her sister, Nancy Bradford; her son, Michael LaForge; her son-in-law, Danny Clark; and her great-grandson, Steven Fagan Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Kenneth W. Odermatt Jr., Savannah, GA; children, Andrea Clark; Stephen LaForge (Andrea); and Kenneth W. Odermatt III (Courtney); grandchildren, Millie Odermatt, Finn Odermatt, Curtis Hunter (Kari), Samantha LaForge, and Angela Hunter; great-grandchildren, Lucas Hunter, Caden LaForge, Hunter Reipold, Savannah Reipold, and Kaliegh Waller; great-great-grandchildren, Kyte Wood and Eris Wood; brother, Joe Barber (Verna); and multiple nieces.

Her life is reflected in the many generations she leaves behind, each one carrying forward the love and care she so generously gave.

Barbara's kindness, resilience, and infectious smile touched everyone she met. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the stories we share and the love she instilled in us all. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a veterans' support organization in her honor. Services will be private, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date