Barbara Jo Sokolowski's Obituary
Barbara Jo Sokolowski, age 55, of Muskegon, MI passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Barbie was born in Hart, MI on January 9, 1965 to Sally (Morse) Baxter and Barry Jerome Shatney. She spent most of her childhood in Hesperia, MI where she has many friends and fond memories. Her stepfather, Lynn Kirk Bolles of Fremont, also played an important part in her life. Her grandparents, Charles and Irene Morse of Hesperia, MI, were also a significant part of Barbie’s life. They enjoyed all family holidays/gatherings at their home, sledding, swimming, tubing down the White River, and bike-riding on hot summer days. In 1978, Barbie’s family moved to Muskegon, MI where she attended Orchard View High School and she immediately made many new friends. Barbie spent much of her work life in the hospitality industry, having worked at Spring Lake Country Club, Muskegon Country Club, and most recently at Teddy Spaghetti’s in Muskegon. Barbie also resided for a short time in Alpharetta, GA and for four years in O’Fallon, MO where she worked at Timber Creek Restaurant. She always made friends easily wherever she went. She loved people and being surrounded by friends and family is what made her world complete. She also loved country music, dancing, and going to the beach at Lake Michigan. “Barbie’s Pink Stuff” dessert for a family gathering was always a special request. She enjoyed baking goodies and always had good snacks on hand. She had just gotten a new kitty, Tito, and loved her long-time little dog, Meishka. Barbie had two children with James Sokolowski and they survive her, daughter, Nicole Trese (Dan) Aumiller of Muskegon, MI, and her children, Phoenix, Brezlin, Harley, and Barrett; son, Taylor James (Shelbie) Sokolowski of Muskegon, MI and his children Leyland and Everleigh. Her grandchildren were the most important aspect of her life and were the nourishment for her soul. She had a very special bond with her grandson, Leyland, he called her “Mimi”. He was the sunshine in her life. Barbie is also survived by her mother, Sally Jo (Morse) Baxter of St. Peters, MO; six siblings, Bruce (Lynne) Erickson, Arizona; Luann Shatney, Muskegon, MI; Jari (Herb) Tate, Florida; Rosemary Boucher, Muskegon, MI; Michael (Patricia) Bolles, Illinois; and Amy Bolles-Myers, St. Peters, MO. Amy’s little girl, Bella, also had a special bond with her Aunt Barbie. Bella looked forward to her daily calls from Barbie, and Barbie enjoyed them just as much. Barbie also has 15 nieces and nephews, and seven, soon-to-be nine grand-nephews and nieces; aunt, Martha “Marty” (John) Gerencer, Muskegon, MI; aunt and uncle, Larry & Kimba Morse, Hesperia, MI. Barbie will also be dearly missed by her significant other, Jon Cregg, from Muskegon, MI, and resides in WA. Barbie’s love and light will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends. “Fly high with the angels Barbie, my brown-eyed girl”. A Celebration of Life for Barbie will be scheduled June 28th from 1-3pm at Weaver Park in Hesperia. The address is 194 Hoskins Rd., Hesperia, MI 49421. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Every Woman’s Place. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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