Barbara Joy Bush of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the age of 97.  She was born in Jewell County, Kansas on December 6, 1917 to the late Grace Eloise (Matthews) and George Walter Darwin. 

Barbara attended a country school, then high school in Guide Rock, Nebraska followed by the Normal School program at the University of Nebraska and Hastings College.  Following her education she taught in several rural schools in the Guide Rock area, and in Parks, Nebraska.  On June 1, 1947, she married Donald O. Bush who predeceased her on December 3, 1991.  Barbara spent much of her life in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, moving here in 1960.  She belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant, the Mt. Pleasant Women’s Club, the Central Michigan Community Hospital Auxiliary and was very active in the DAR. 

Barbara is survived by two sons:  Noel Bush and his wife Karen of Midland and Mark Bush of Carleton; grandchildren Justin Bush of Seattle, Washington and Allie Marie Bush and her husband Ryan Idema of Byron Center.  Barbara is also survived by her sister Bonnie Ohmstede of Guide Rock, Nebraska, four nephews John, Howard, William and Charles Ohmstede of Guide Rock, Nebraska.  A dear friend, Megan Petras and other loving family members and friends.  Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Gay Darwin, an infant brother and a nephew George Ohmstede. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Diane Gordon officiating.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m.  Memorial contributions have been suggested to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or the First United Methodist Church.  Envelopes are available at the Rowley Funeral Home or at the church on Wednesday.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Maplewood of Mt. Pleasant Assisted Living and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for the love and support they have given to Barbara and her family.