Barbara M. Lange

Barbara Mae Lange was beautiful from the inside out. She lived and loved completely and gave herself freely to those in her life. She treasured her family and was happiest when surrounded by their love. In all that she did, Barb did with kindness and care, and her grace and style were in a class all their own. Her warmth and ever-ready smile will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Following the end of the Great War, the 1920s emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared, and people everywhere were brimming with hope. People had a celebratory fever as jazz music, Buster Keaton movies and Babe Ruth baseball were news of the day. For Charles and Katherine (Kartes) Schrader, times were exceptionally joyful when on May 1, 1927, they welcomed the birth of a baby girl they named Barbara Mae. Born and raised in the lakeshore community of Muskegon, Michigan, Barbara grew up with her four brothers and sister. Her father worked at the Brunswick Corporation and later at the Occidental Hotel, while her mother stayed home with the children as a homemaker. The Schrader family also utilized their home as a boarding house for several years. A close- knit family, the Schrader children all looked out for one another well into their adulthood. Barb often reminisced how her father was such a prankster and they always looked forward to what he would come up with next. During her school years, Barb attended St. Joseph Catholic School before going on to Muskegon High School. Lakeshore living offered the family memorable times together and when Barb became older it provided loads of fun for her and her many friends, especially during the Depression when money was scarce. Throughout the years she played basketball for her school, ice skated, and developed a love for roller skating as well. During the early 1940s Americas concentration was on the war effort and everyone did their part; Barb was no exception. During World War II Barb left school when she was 16 and began working at Muskegon Piston Ring where many lifelong friendships were formed. While attending a CIO union dance, Barbs life took on an interesting twist when she became reacquainted with a young man whom she had met while in elementary school. Gordon Lange was the brother of Joan, one of Barbs childhood friends. After Gordon's return from serving in the Navy, Barb caught Gordons eye and before long the two were dating. Finding themselves in love, they celebrated Barbs 21st birthday by getting married on May 1, 1948, in what would eventually lead to a life rich with blessings and happiness. The following year the couple was overjoyed with the birth of their first child when daughter Charlene was born. It wasnt until 11 years later when they were blessed with the birth of Lori, and five years following her birth they welcomed Kim into their arms. Daughter Joni completed their family of young girls two years later. To Barb, the greatest gift was her family. She and Gordon sacrificed much over the years by providing their daughters with a comfortable life. Barb was always involved in the girl's lives and supported them in each of their activities, as well as serving on the Moon School PTA. As busy as she was, Barb kept an impeccable home. Faith played a large role in Barbs life and as a family they attended Central United Methodist Church where Barb taught Sunday school, served as an usher and participated in the Womens Circle Group there. When the girls got older Barb decided to head back into the working world and became a sales clerk at Hardy Herpolsheimers Department Store. Her position there was perfect as she loved people and customer service was a way for her to make use of her exceptional skills. It was also a way to make use of her flair for fashion and accessories. She remained working at Herps for the next 19 years until the store closed due to urbanization. Soon after, she began working at Rykes Bakery until retiring in 1998. During their leisure time Barb and Gordon enjoyed card playing with friends and square dancing, but her most treasured place to be was in the company of family whom she loved dearly. Barb loved family get-togethers not only with her immediate family but with her siblings as well. She especially loved being a grandma to her beloved grandchildren and spent as much time with them as she could. Great times and wonderful memories were made over the years at their cottage on Twin Lake where friends were always welcome to join in a game of volleyball, jarts or cards. Although Barb herself was not a swimmer, she always enjoyed watching the kids and grandkids swim and have fun in the water. On Friday nights Barb could be found in front of the TV watching Friday Night Boxing, and Saturday nights were reserved for watching Lawrence Welk, which she never missed out on unless, of course, it may have interfered with a Detroit Tiger baseball game. She was always ready to go out square dancing with Gordon and was just as ready for a good Polka dance. In everything she did, Barb did it with grace and style. Just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, she took care with her appearance and was always well put together. Most importantly, Barb was a loving and caring woman whose face always carried a smile. She offered a warm hug and a kind word for everyone. As the years began to take their toll, Barb began to experience health issues and eventually moved into Hillcrest Nursing Home where she received wonderful care from their caring and attentive staff and daily visits from her devoted husband of over 61 years. Sadly, Barb died on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the age of 82. She will be sadly missed. SURVIVORS: Husband, Gordon; four daughters, Charlene (Thomas) Richardson and Lori (Christopher) Kendra, both of Muskegon, Kimberly Lange of Shanghai, China, and Joni (William) Schmidt of White Lake; five grandchildren, Chad and Craig Richardson, Ryan and Lindsay Kendra, and Morgan Schmidt; three special sisters-in-law, Irene Vargo and Mary Schrader, both of Muskegon, and Nancy Tousey of North Carolina; a half brother, her step-sister and step-brother. Barb was preceded in death by four brothers, one sister, a half brother and half sister. SERVICE: Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Gary Bekofske officiating. VISITATION: Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 PM and one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Central United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Harbor Hospice or Hillcrest Nursing & Rehabilitation Community. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.