Sept. 21, 1927 — June 7, 2014

Barbara Lou Adams Young Rodebush, 86, of Niles, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 7, 2014, after an extended illness.

She was born on Sept. 21, 1927, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to the late Floyd and Eva Adams. On Feb. 12, 1946, she married Mervin J. Young, who passed away on July 5, 1984. On Jan. 16, 1993, in Niles, she married Johnie A. Rodebush.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Johnie Rosebush, her children and their spouses, K. Joseph and Carol Young of Oxford, Michigan, Bob and Toy Young, Merva and Jim Zaleski, Donna and Ray Corum, Julie and Ray Hartman, all of Niles and Brad and Becky Young of Benton Harbor; daughter-in-law Judy Young, of Niles; stepchildren Vicky Rodebush and Diane Rodebush, both of Niles, and Rob and Susan Rodebush of Hamilton, Ohio.

She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Bill Lingerfelt and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Mervin, all of her siblings, Delbert Adams, Olive Line, Don Adams, Bonnie Brady, Kermit Adams, her twin brother Robert Adams, Damon Adams and Sharon Lingerfelt; her stepson, Dennis Young and her grandson, Ryan Hartman, who passed earlier this year.

Barb and Merv owned and operated the Rollaway Skating Rink in Niles. Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother who deeply loved all of her “younguns.” She was a friend and support to many, especially her “adopted” children.

She loved babies, dogs and cats, cardinals, garage sales, red raspberries, watching birds, lilacs, and the color purple. Her love for the Lord, kind heart, selflessness and sense of humor have left a legacy that will be forever cherished.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Church of Christ Christian, 2240 Yankee St., Niles, where Barbara was a member. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Pastor David Szymczak of the church will officiate the funeral service which will take place on Thursday, June 12 at 11 a.m. with visitation prior to that starting at 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery with a luncheon afterwards at the church.

Memorial contributions in honor of Barbara may be made to the Ryan A. Hartman Memorial Scholarship at Southwestern Michigan College in care of SMC Foundation, 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047-9726.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Cass County Medical Care Facility, and the Hanson Hospice Center.

www.halbritterfunerals.com