Lillian C. Barton's Obituary
Lillian C. (Nelson) Barton, age 100 1/2 years went to her heavenly home to be with her Savior on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 15, 1922, to Oscar and Ingeborg (Tjerneld) Nelson in Ludington, MI. From youth her church and faith was very important and while attending special evangelistic meetings at Washington Ave Baptist Church at the age of 12, she responded to the gospel message by inviting Jesus to be her Savior. Her faith remained central to her life through the years and it gave her great comfort and strength beyond her own to navigate life’s ups and downs. After graduating from Ludington High School she attended Bethel College in St Paul, Minnesota.
On May 30, 1947, she married the love of her life, Earl Barton in Ludington before making their way to Muskegon in 1953. Together they cherished 58 years of love and laughter. Lillian dedicated 20 years working as an administrative assistant for Harbor Steel before retiring in 1986. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a longtime member at Lakeside Baptist Church. She was an active member serving others in many ways such as girls GMG group leader, helping with women’s ministry and as a choir member. She also took time to help newcomers to Muskegon through her Welcome Wagon job. She befriended those in need by giving them what she had, be it a ride somewhere or use of her washing machine. While spending her summers in Ludington, she found herself back at her home church Cornerstone Baptist, the former Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Lillian had a wonderful gift of hospitality and welcomed family and friends into her home for parties or simply for coffee and conversation. She enjoyed a good laugh with friends, practical jokes, and was a wonderful home maker known for delicious apple pie. Lillian was a loving wife, proud mother of two daughters, and loving grandmother. She cherished the moments spent with her family at their summer cottage, especially with her grandchildren. Lillian’s vivacious and tender-loving spirit will truly be missed by the many who knew and loved her. She is survived by her two daughters, Kay (Gregory) Bolduc and Anne (David Cox) Barton; nine grandchildren, Nathan (Margo) Bolduc, Jessica (Jason) Brown, Aaron (Emily) Bolduc, Eric (Nikki) Ahlquist, Joshua (Becky) Ahlquist, Kyle (Stephanie) Ahlquist, Teri VanHall, Natalie Cox and Kelsey (Rick Gilliland) Cox; and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl Barton; two brothers, Edward (Dorothy) Nelson and Robert O. (Marion) Nelson; and two sisters, Margaret (Art) Carlson and Eleanor (Al) Loginaw. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions in Lillian’s honor can be directed to Lakeside Baptist Church. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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