Barbara J. Reckell's Obituary
Barbara Joan Barrett Reckell came into life in Montague, MI on July 20, 1934 and was at home with her family when she went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 11, 2019. Barb graduated from Muskegon High School in 1952, from Northern Michigan University in 1972 with her BA, and with her Masters in Speech Pathology from Michigan State University (GO GREEN) in 1973. She married her lifelong partner of 66 years, Russell Paul Reckell Jr., in Elkhart, IN on May 28, 1953. They have six children: Theodore Wayne Sr. (Patricia), Peter Paul (Kelly), Laura Jean (Brian) Nesbitt, Timothy Jon (Susan), Andrea Reiners, and Jeannette Suzanne (Shawn). Eight grandchildren: Ted Jr., Shawn, Chelsea, Victoria, Trevor, Travis, John, and Loden. Four great-grandchildren: Brodi, Teagan, Mary, and Julianna. Barb was preceded in death by her siblings: Murray, Sylvia (Moore), Elizabeth (Dysinger), Theodore, and their spouses. Barbara raised six children while working with special needs children as a speech pathologist for the Lansing school system (1973-1992), then taught at Michigan State University (1992-1996). Following her retirement, she volunteered for the Muskegon Red Cross for 17 years. She has always been an active member in the church and served as a Deacon and Elder at the First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Viking Lodge and loved to sit and watch the boats. She always had a fabulous garden, was an avid reader, and loved her faithful dogs of all sizes. Russ and Barb built many homes starting in Elkhart, then Haslett, they moved to Marquette and then returned to the Lansing area. They finally retired to Muskegon in 1996 and once again built a home. Barbara has left a legacy of a life well lived, family well loved and friends spread far and wide. In keeping with that example of giving back to the community we ask that you donate to the Muskegon Red Cross (in lieu of flowers) in her name, . Services will be held on Sunday June 23, 2019 at 11:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 2577 Wickham Dr. Muskegon, MI. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at http://www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 759-8565
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