It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Davies, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the age of 92. She left this world peacefully after a life filled with kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
Born in Grand Haven, Michigan on June 22, 1934, to Dorothy and Herman Kruizenga, Barbara spent her childhood in Muskegon. As an only child, she grew up in a close-knit family spending weekends with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles in Spring Lake. Barbara’s love of others, compassion and social engagement shaped every chapter of her life. While attending Muskegon Heights High School she met James Henry Davies, whom she married in August of 1957, following her graduation from Hope College and his from the University of Michigan. They continued visiting Ann Arbor to cheer on their favorite team, the Michigan Wolverines, for decades. Barbara and Jim began their family in Muskegon, moving briefly to Utica on the Eastside of the state. They returned to the Westside, settling in Grand Rapids where they lived in their home for 48 years. Together they built a home filled with faith, service to others, social gatherings and a love of sports.
Barbara was known for her generous heart, her ability to listen without judgment (although she loved to talk), and her gift for making everyone feel valued. This was evident over her career as a teacher and paraprofessional in various special education classrooms, volunteering in the church, or sharing life over a cup of coffee with numerous circles of friends and neighbors. She touched countless lives with her gentle wisdom and open heart.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 68 years, James, her sister-in-law and dear friend Virginia Raby, her daughter Allyson and John Fris, granddaughter Elizabeth and Taylor Otteman, grandson Jacob Fris, great granddaughter Marguerite Otteman and close friends, the VanderWoude family.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Herman Kruizenga, son Kurt Davies, and numerous cousins with whom she remained close. Her legacy of love, resilience, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 10 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE; Grand Rapid, MI 49506, with friends and family invited to share memories and honor her remarkable journey. A visitation and light lunch will follow the service
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Supper House, 2500 Jefferson Street; Muskegon Heights, MI 49444.
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