Barbara J. Story

Barbara J. Story, age 90, passed away suddenly following a brief illness on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at McLaren Bay Region. The daughter of the late Edward J. and Mary J. (Polaske) Vachon, she was born on February 18, 1935 in Grand Rapids, MI. Barb was raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Union High School in 1953. She met her true love, David A. Story, and they were united in marriage on May 26, 1958, and settled in Bay City shortly thereafter. Barb has been a longtime member of All Saints Parish – St. James Church where she was a member of the Legion of Mary and was active with the prayer line and providing funeral luncheons. She also kept busy in her community as a longtime member of T.O.P.S. and a 35-year member of K.O.P.S. In 1990 Barb was a founding member of the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society and has been the assistant editor of its newsletter. She enjoyed making Rosaries, meeting new friends on her many Bay Metro D.A.R.T. trips, and was an avid hockey fan. Barb was the kindest, gentlest woman you could have ever known and that, along with her great sense of humor, will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Sadly, Barb was preceded in death by her husband David on November 10, 1995. She is survived by their four children, David J. (Penny) Story, Kay Murphy, Alan (Stacie Marie) Story and Mark (Vicki Marie) Story; her beloved grandchildren, Mary Story, Joseph Story, Thomas Story, Christopher (Ravee) Murphy, Kate (Grant) VanPutten, Benjamin (Caitlin) Story, Andrew Story, Brittany Story (Zachary Bills) and Joshua (fiancé, Nicole Wackerle) Story; her dear great grandchildren, Landon, Rory, Merrick, Briley, Adeline and Everett; her sister-in-law, Joan Visser; a special friend, "Carol Next Door"; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Barb was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Breanne Story; and her brother, Kenneth Vachon.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Trahan Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jose Cabrera presiding. The Rite of Committal will follow at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Barb's memory to the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society, Right to Life Michigan or to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Celebrate Barb's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com