Barbara Jane Salisbury

Barbara Jane Salisbury, 91, of Traverse City, formerly of Maple City, died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at French Manor Residential Care, in Traverse City, with her family by her side. She was born September 3, 1934, in Traverse City, the daughter of Kenneth and Ella (Moon) Watson.

Barbara is survived by her children, Raymond (Laura) Salisbury Jr., Debra Schopieray, Dawn (Larry) Thoreson, and Karen (William) Griffard Jr.; her grandchildren, Trisha, Christopher, Bryan, Rebecca, Sarah, Marc, Chad, Joshua, Steve, Kimberley, and Chelsey; step-grandchildren, Kristina, Sean, and Karoline; and 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Barbara graduated from Maple City High School in 1952 where she was a standout player on the ladies’ varsity basketball team. While in High School, Barb worked at her father’s café, Ken’s Coffee Cup, in Maple City. A young man was sweet on Barb and visited the café often, buying a lot of coffee and pie. On May 7th, 1952, in Maple City, Barbara married that young man, Raymond Salisbury Sr.

Barbara began her long married life as a young navy wife in Florida. Barb and Ray lived in Grand Rapids for a short time before returning to Maple City where they raised four children and spent their lives together.

Barbara had a 30-year career with Burwood Products in Traverse City, where she enjoyed repairing and finishing clocks. Following retirement, Barb worked at Barb’s Bakery in Glen Arbor, where she found joy in working with two of her grandsons.

Barbara never met a card game she didn’t like. Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed trying her luck at casinos, where she often won. Barbara had a passionate interest in crafting and spent many hours making special treasures for her family and friends. Barbara took great delight in spending time at their cabin in the UP with her husband and family. Among Barbara’s greatest joys was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Barbara’s beloved husband, Raymond Salisbury, Sr. preceded her in death on December 19, 2014, after 62 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Ella Watson, her granddaughter, Keri Lynn Schopieray, and her son-in-law, Harry Schopieray, as well as all her siblings: Robert Bergstrom, William Bergstrom, Geraldine (Bergstrom) Reed, Verna (Watson) Freeman, Robert (Bud) Watson, and Charlene (Watson) Adams.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated angels at the French Manor Green House for their loving care of Barbara during her illness.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 1, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, 511 S Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan, 49686. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home, followed by internment at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.

If desired, memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital at shirnerschildrens.org, or the French Manor Green House Resident Activity Fund at 919 Seventh Street, Traverse City.

The family takes great comfort in knowing Barbara is at peace, has regained her precious memories, and is in paradise with her beloved husband.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com