March 17, 1945 — June 20, 2016

Barbara Jean Thurston, 71, of Niles, Michigan went to be with her Lord on Monday, June 20, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born March 17, 1945, in Niles to Harry Wayne, Sr. and Elizabeth Helen (Rodgers) Phillips.

Barbara was retired from Nickell Moulding after over 15 years of service. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose Lodge #413 in Niles since 1976.

On Nov. 11, 1978, in Niles, Barbara married Jerry Thurston, with whom she celebrated their 37th anniversary. He survives with their two sons, Jerry Thurston of Winter Haven, Florida and Thomas Thurston of Goshen, Indiana; five daughters, Donna Maxey of South Bend, Hope Flint of Niles, Wendy Rose of Niles, Carmen Leopold of South Bend and Lea Held of Niles; 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Barbara’s siblings, Jack L. Phillips of Byron Center, Michigan and Robert P. Phillips, Sr. of Niles.

She was preceded in death by her half-sister, Marjorie Bullard and brothers, Harry W. Phillips, Jr. and David L. Phillips.

The memorial service for Barbara Jean Thurston will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Rev. Carl W. Bassett, officiating.

Donations in memory Barbara may be made to the family.

www.halbritterfunerals.com