Sylvia M. Barnhard's Obituary
Sylvia Marcella Barnhard, age 92, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 9, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born December 8, 1933, in Edwardsville, IL, to Ernest and Hattie (Grissom) Hackney.
Sylvia graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and went on to work as an operator for GTE. Over the years, she also served as a laundromat attendant in Cloverville and as a cook at North Ottawa Care Center.
On October 18, 1952, she married the love of her life, Norman Barnhard, in Fruitport, Michigan. He preceded her in death on October 30, 2014.
Sylvia attended Bethel Baptist Church in Fruitport and found great joy in sharing her faith in Jesus Christ with others. In her younger years, she loved ice skating and roller skating. She also enjoyed birdwatching, scenic drives to Lake Michigan, many walks in the deer woods, swimming, and rock hunting. Sylvia delighted in all her grandchildren and spending time with them.
SURVIVORS include her children, Shelly (Dwight) Tobaison, Norman “Scott” (Cheryl) Barnhard, Mary (Dave) Vaught, Dori (Dennis) Shimer, Kathy (Scott) Gould, and Valerie Barnhard; daughter-in-law, Wanda Barnhard; bonus daughter, Robbie Stokes; 117 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Eric) Wiggin; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug Barnhard; her brothers and their spouses, Ernest (Jo) Hackney and Charles (Pat) Hackney.
SERVICES for Sylvia will be held 11:00 AM Monday, April 20, 2026, at Ada Bible Church – Knapp Campus, 3869 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. VISITATION with the family will be from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday morning.
She will be laid to rest in Pine Hill Cemetery, Fruitport, MI.
MEMORIALS to the Valerie Barnhard Emergency Assistance Fund, Heartland Hospice, or the Love Worth Finding Ministries will be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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