Barbara Brubaker-Thorne

Barbara Jean Brubaker-Thorne, 86, of Sparta, MI died peacefully in her home on February 19, 2025. A reception for her will be held Friday, March 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Countryside Venue, 19697 F-Drive South, Marshall, MI. A church service in her honor will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 4085 Lutheran Church Rd NW, Kent City, MI, at 1:00 pm. Barbara and her twin brother, Robert were born on April 14, 1938, to parents George and Ramona Yonkers in Grand Rapids, MI. The family first lived in Holt, MI before moving to Marshall, MI to run the Cloverleaf dairy. It was in Marshall that Barbara met and fell in love with Jerry “Bru” Brubaker while attending Marshall High School. They married on June 7, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1959, they had a son, Norman, and not long after moved to Grayling, MI. Barbara spent those snowy northern winters taking care of her family and crocheting. Her crocheting got so good that she was awarded a blue ribbon from the Michigan State Fair. In the early 1960’s the young family returned to Marshall and added two more sons to the brood. Brian, born in 1967 and Gregory in 1968. Barbara and Jerry became pillars of the community. They organized and founded the Marshall Junior Football league. Barbara, always a hard worker, did whatever was needed from working concessions to sewing numbers on jerseys. The family moved to Ocala, Florida in 1981, for Jerry’s work. Sadly, Jerry lost his battle with cancer in 1985. Barbara and the boys moved back home to Marshall. After the boys had moved away Barb kept busy. She played bridge, bowled, sewed and crafted. While living in Holland, MI she decided to pick up a new hobby- line dancing. It was there that she met Fred Thorne. Fred and Barb hit it off and eventually Barbara had found love again. They married on April 17, 1995 at Mamrelund Lutheran Church and Barb added four stepchildren to her family- Annette, Chris, Kenneth, and James. Barbara and Fred moved to Sparta, MI and started the next chapter of their lives. Having dabbled in the arts her whole life, it was in Sparta that her artistic gifts blossomed. Barbs beautiful paintings won numerous prizes and have been displayed all over the state. Barbara would remain active in the arts and her church for the rest of her life. Her kindness and loving spirit left an impact on everyone she encountered. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Barb’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.