Barbara DeYoung Stillwell

Barbara DeYoung Smith Stillwell, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 1 after living with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, the daughter of William and Irene DeYoung. She attended Union High School and Grand Rapids Junior College. In 1952 she married John H. Smith, and they raised 3 daughters.  Barbara was an active member of the Bissell Guild and enjoyed volunteering in the Blodgett Hospital Coffee Shop.  Over the years, Barbara lived in Ann Arbor MI, Augusta GA, Rochester MN, Downers Grove IL and Grand Rapids MI.  In 1985 Barbara married William H. Stillwell of Downers Grove.  They spent many happy summers in Lac Du Flambeau WI and winters in Pompano Beach FL. Together they traveled the world and especially enjoyed taking cruises, often with dear friends. Barbara was a devoted grandmother and was a vocal fan at the grandchildren’s many activities.  She loved a good party, a good book, the family dogs and music of all kinds.  Her final years were spent in Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids, and the family would like to thank the staff for their compassionate care. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill; her parents; her sister Marjorie (Roger) Walcott; brothers Erwin (Ruby) DeYoung and John (Martha) DeYoung.  She is survived by her children, Susette (Mark Driscoll) Smith of Boston, Laurel (Jim) Harris of Bloomfield Hills, and Mary (Nelson) Wilner of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren, Jim Harris, Julie Harris, Benjamin Wilner and Anna Wilner; first husband John H. Smith of Coral Springs FL and his siblings Edwin Smith of Ann Arbor and Frances and George Smolak of Strongsville OH; and numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses.  She also leaves behind life-long friends Jackie and Bill Bylenga and Mary Tillman all of Grand Rapids.  A private burial service will be held in Illinois. All are welcome to join the family at a celebration of Barbara’s life from 4 to 6 PM December 19 at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Newaygo, 5333 Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI 49337 or the Grand Rapids Symphony Picnic Pops, 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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