Barbara J. VanEffen, 71 of rural Ovid died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan following a battle with cancer. Barb was born on August 26, 1941 in Rapid River, MI the daughter of Martin and Lucile (Lagerquist) Schroeder. On March 1, 1957 she married Gary VanEffen. He preceded her in death on August 16, 1996. She graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School in 1981 and had worked at Lear Corp. in Elsie for several years.
She is survived by her sons, Francis of Roscommon, MI, Todd of Fowlerville, MI and Gary (Jenae) VanEffen of Owosso, and daughter Lucy (Dennis) Strachota of Elsie, MI. 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Sisters, Marlene Schroeder and Shirley Olson and brother Doug (Pam) Schroder.
She was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law Doug and Robbie VanSice and sister Dolly Yurtanas.
At Barb’s request there will be no services or visitation.
Memorials may be made to the Steam Railroad Institute, 405 S. Washington St. Owosso, MI 48867 for the restoration of engine #1225, or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.

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