Barbara Ann Dutcher

1934 - 2017

DUTCHER, BARBARA ANN Age 82, of Alma passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Crestwood Village in Mt. Pleasant under the care of A & D Hospice. Barbara was born on August 21, 1934, in Sheridan, MI, the 4th of 5 children to Theodore and Pearl (Buxton) Case of Titus, MI, in Mecosta County. Growing up on a farm and going to country school until the 4th grade. At Barryton Rural Agricultural School, she excelled in music, playing the clarinet. Her senior year, Barbara was crowned queen of the Harvest Festival. After graduating from Barryton, she was a waitress in Barryton before moving to Big Rapids and working for MI Bell as an operator. From there, she moved to Lansing and worked for GMAC. There she married Richard Dutcher in July 1954. A few years later they moved back west of Mt. Pleasant and started a family. Barb and Dick had 2 children, Douglas and Patrice. They were married for 32 years. During that time Barb went back to work first at the USDA, then 25 years with GTE in Mt. Pleasant and Alma retiring in 1994. In December 1996, she met her fiancee of 17 years, Al Vincent. During that time, they traveled quite a lot. Barb loved New York City and Hawaii the best. She also enjoyed going to dances. Barbara moved to Alma in 1988 and later became a “Senior Home Companion” for Gratiot County Commission on Aging. Finishing her career at the Masonic Home in Alma. Barbara is survived by daughter, Patrice (Karl) Wuestenberg of Remus; grandchildren, Aubry, Autumn, and Ashley Wuestenberg, Carrie (Justin) Elkins, and Matthew (Lauren) Dutcher; 5 great-grandchildren; fiancee, Al Vincent; sister, Carol Collin; and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Dutcher; parents; brothers, Ted, Burgess, and L.V. Case; and former husband, Dick Dutcher. Funeral Services for Barbara will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 15, at 11 a.m. with Benjamen Evers officiating. A Luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. Interment will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the chapel the day of the service from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the A & D Hospice or the Barryton Area Museum. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. You may view Barbara’s obituary online, send a condolence to the family and light a memorial candle at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.