Barbara Alene (Uselton) Hentsch, 71, of Niles passed away on Saturday, July, 17, 2010 at her home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

On Aug. 29, 1938 Barbara was born to Dolphus and Adelaide (Freeze) Uselton.

After graduating from Niles High School Class of 1957, Barbara fell in love with Wayne Hentsch.  At a ceremony at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sept. 24, 1960 they wed.

Barbara loved to work with her hands, whether inside or outdoors. She was known for her perennial garden and has even been featured several times in the Niles Daily Star. Barbara was also very talented with quilting and sewing and was a part of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Sewing Group. Barbara was a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. She loved her savior and enjoyed reading her Bible and was faithful to the end. A fabulous homemaker, Barbara was known for her cooking and baking. Wayne and Barbara also loved to travel together and Maine was a favorite destination of Barbara’s.

She is preceded by her parents and three sisters: June Wiseman, Wilma Roush and Lila Conrad.

Surviving Barbara is her husband, Wayne Hentsch; her son, Stephen Hentsch, of Edwardsburg; a granddaughter, Amanda Hentsch, of Muskegon, Mich.; her two brothers, Donald (Charlotte) Uselton, of Niles, Kenneth Uselton, of Mishawaka; and a sister, Sue (Richard) Rossow, of Union, Mich.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Barbara’s memory may do so to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore St., Niles, MI 49120 or to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Visitation for Barbara will be Tuesday, July 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home with the service on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 11 a.m with Pastor Carl Basset officiating.

An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences, photos or messages can be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.