Barbara Jean Gifford

Barbara Jean Gifford

September 7, 1937 - August 7, 2026

Barbara Jean Gifford, 88, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026. Born on September 7, 1937, in Muskegon, she was the daughter of Gerald and Lila (Gould) Beardsley. A lifelong resident, Barbara was a proud daughter of her community in every sense.

On June 25, 1955, Barbara married the love of her life, Bobby Gifford. Together they built a joyful life at their longtime home on South Dangl Road, where they raised their children and created memories that will last for generations. Bobby preceded her in death in 2012, but Barbara carried on with quiet strength and grace, remaining the heart of her family.

Barbara was renowned for her talent in the kitchen. Her zucchini bread-baked as soon as the garden yielded-was legendary, and no Christmas was complete without her homemade peanut clusters, chocolate-covered cherries, and a spread of candies crafted with care. She and her husband Bobby shared a tradition of making homemade pizza with ingredients from the beloved local DeMuro's. Bob kept an impressive garden, and Barbara put its bounty to use year after year-canning pickles, sauerkraut, and countless jars of goodness.

Barbara and Bob cherished simple pleasures and the outdoors. In 1998, the family acquired a mobile home on Campbell Lake in Hesperia, where summers and weekends were spent on the pontoon boat, surrounded by family. That lake property remains in the family-a testament to the life Barbara and Bobby built together. The family also made many cherished trips to Mackinac Island, a tradition that continued even after Bob's passing.

Barbara was a member of the Muskegon Eagles and was devoted to her cat, Holly, who-much like Barbara herself-had a quiet dignity and a selective social life.

Barbara is survived by her children: Debbie (David) Hanks, Rodney (Kathy) Gifford, David Gifford, and Timothy (Rhonda) Gifford; seven grandchildren: Kelly (Doug) Vanderheyden, Ryan (Khrissy) Hanks, Daniel (Sarah) Hanks, Rodney (Sara) Gifford, Jason (Sharon) Gifford, Kevin Gifford, and Kaleigh (Cheyn) Rushing; nineteen great-grandchildren: Hadleigh, Charlotte, Mackenzie, Whitley, Taylor, Rhett, Hayes, Brianna, Austin, Caiden, Brycen, Brylee, Colton, Everett, Madison, Mason, Owen, Noah, and Kallen; dear friends, Keith Daniels, Carol Burgess, Sandy and Will Hill, and Carol and Dennis Kulikamp; many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gifford; her son, Randy; and her siblings, Donna Cooper, Lucille Szymczyk, Beverly Berg, and Mickey Beardsley.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Clock Funeral Home, with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. VISITATION will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery, next to her husband.

Barbara Jean Gifford lived her life for others-her table was always full, her garden generous, and her love always present. Nothing mattered more to her than time with her family. She will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to all of the amazing people and services provided to Barb at Cornerstone Care and Harbor Hospice.