Barbara E. "Barb" Rafferty's Obituary
Mrs. Barbara E. “Barb” Rafferty, beloved wife, mother and grandma, passed away early Wednesday, January 05, 2011 at the age of 82. Born September 4, 1928 to Henry and Myrtle (Stout) Schliewe, she was a life resident of Muskegon. Barb married Al “Brub” Rafferty on July 14, 1951 in Muskegon, and he survives her. Mrs. Rafferty was a retiree of Kaydon Corp., where she had worked in several departments and learned to drive a fork lift. She was a member of Mona Lake Boat Club and Post 446 VFW Auxilliary, and liked to play the organ. Her SURVIVORS include her husband, Brub; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Christy Rafferty of Muskegon; a step-daughter, Suzanne (David) Kerr of Battle Creek; five grandchildren: Angie (Matt) McKee, Maria Rafferty, Kari (Nick) Hibbard; Danielle (Andrew) Weiss, and Shelby Rafferty; and four great-grandchildren: Addison McKee, Matson Hibbard, River McKee, and Aaliyah Weiss. She was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters: Thelma Sattory, Doris Christianson, Geraldine Veltman, and Margaret Skodack. Barb was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was always willing to help others in need and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. FUNERAL SERVICES for Mrs. Rafferty will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Home, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441, 231-759-8565 with Rev. Joseph Vest officiating and interment in Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION will be at the funeral home 5-8 P.M. Friday and 12N-1 P.M. Saturday. Barb hated what cancer had done to her family and friends, so MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS to Susan G. Komen Cancer Research Foundation would be appreciated. Please visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara E. "Barb"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara E. "Barb"?
Share a story where Barbara E. "Barb"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara E. "Barb" you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara E. "Barb" make you smile?