Barbara R. Daniell

Barbara R. Daniell had a lovely spirit of adventure and zest for life. She used personal hardship to develop a sense of compassion and understanding for those in need. She was devoted to her family, loyal and available at any time. In December of 1941, the United States was drawn into World War II. Despite the worry and sacrifices to follow, Walter and Ruth (Arends) Beegle of Muskegon, Michigan, still had reason to hope for good things in the future since they were expecting their second baby. On July 22, 1942, they were rewarded with the arrival of beautiful little Barbara. Barbara was soon toddling after her big brother Richard and became quite a tomboy, climbing trees, putting holes in her jeans, and getting her dirty knees scrubbed frequently. She rescued a cat by following it into the coal bin and emerged victorious, cat in hand and blond hair as black as night. Barbara loved horses, and sneaked into the rodeo on more than one occasion, only getting caught once. She owned a smart contest horse, Rocket, and a cutting horse, Crow. Barbara's father supported the family by working as a Time Estimator for E.H. Sheldon Co., including a lab furniture assignment that he later learned was for the Manhattan Project. Her mother managed the household. There were fun times with extended family, visiting relatives' farms and sharing countless hours of fun with cousins. A favorite uncle, George, was a Russian immigrant who visited frequently. When Barbara was thirteen, she and Richard endured the painful experience of their parents' divorce. Their lifelong friendship helped them through this. Their father moved to Texas and eventually married Maria and had a son, Emere. Every year, Walter and his new family traveled to visit Barbara in Muskegon and Richard in Albuquerque. As a teenager, Barbara became very ill and was bedridden much of the time. Years later, an intern finally diagnosed a multiple blood vessel condition. After a lot of time and hard work, she earned her high school diploma. Barbara attended Muskegon Business College and then found a job as a secretary for Gospel Films in Muskegon. While working, she continued her education and over the next ten years earned her Bachelor's degree through Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley State University. On a work assignment, Barbara visited Goodwill Industries where she met a man named Philip Daniell. There was an immediate spark between them, and it didn't take long for them to fall madly in love. They were committed to one another, but both came from divorced families and thus were a little gun shy of wedding bells. One evening while watching a hockey game at Barbara's apartment, Phil took a chance and simply said, "We ought to get married." Barbara said okay, and they exchanged vows in 1972. At the time of their marriage, Barbara had $250 in the bank and Phil had $25. Ironically, he was an Economics major and she was studying English. They both were willing to find ways to work things out, adapting to different roles and bringing out the best in each other. They were a great team. Barbara developed an interest in library work and commuted to Wayne State University where she earned her Master's degree. She later became a Reference Librarian at Hackley Public Library. Barbara loved to travel and one of her trips to London was especially memorable when she and her best friend were kicked out of Harrod's department store for eating. She and Phil shared wonderful memories on their visits to Vermont and Wyoming, and her favorite trips included horseback riding in view of the majestic Grand Tetons and through the Arizona desert. Barbara found creative ways to use her talents for her own pleasure as well as the entertainment of others. In the 1970s, she often took neighborhood kids fishing on Bear Lake, something she was always willing to get up early for even though she enjoyed sleeping in. She lovingly compiled letters that Richard had written to her and her mother while Richard was in the Navy Reserve, titling the collection, "Adventures of a Young Man." Barbara loved cats her entire life, and in the 1990s, she and Phil established a cattery business. She successfully bred and showed the rare Scottish Fold breed. Her greatest pleasure, however, was found in her family. She adored Richard and his children, and Phil's children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. Barbara faced many challenges during her lifetime with optimism and strength. She watched her mother slip away due to Alzheimer's, but saw it as an opportunity to be closer, spending time with her and lovingly caring for her. In 2001, Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to spend winters in the dry and beautiful barrenness of Arizona. She fought cancer bravely and the treatment was considered successful, but it was later speculated that it might have brought on aggressive leukemia. Barbara surrounded herself with the love of family and made the most of every opportunity that came her way. She leaves her loved ones with many sweet memories of her understanding, compassion, and love. Barbara died on Friday, May 12, 2006. She is survived by her husband, Philip; father, Walter L. Beegle (Maria); step-children, Cheryl (Greg) Anderson and Gayle Daniell; step-grandchildren, Cory Daniell, Brent Daniell, Lori (Chris) Smith, Sarah Anderson, and Emily Anderson; two step-great grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Connie DeFoe) Beegle and Emere Beegle; nieces, Amy Beegle, PhD (Mike) and Julie Beadle (Rod); nephew, Mark (Mary) Beegle; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her mother, Ruth Beegle, and stepson, Clifford Daniell, preceded her in death. Barbara's memorial service will be held at the Clock Chapel on Tuesday, May 16, at 3:00 p.m., with the Rev. Lowell Wood officiating. Please visit Barbara's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory, sign the online guest book, or view the Life Story Digital Film. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and Camp Bluebird.