Florence Barrett

Florence Barrett, 88, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, January 19, 2013, with her family surrounding her with love. Her life began on September 21, 1924 in Elmwood Park, IL the daughter of Olaf Christian Ericksen and Mary Emma Townsend- Ericksen. She was united in marriage to Robert J. Barrett on June 11, 1950 in Decatur, MI. Florence was an avid Bible Study student and participated in many small group studies during her lifetime. She had been a Certified Lay Speaker with the United Methodist Church and preached in her home churches as well as other area churches. Her favorite room in her home was her family kitchen and Florence was a wonderful cook. She especially loved baking and almost always had a banana cake in the freezer, ready to frost for family or guests. Her Danish pastries were delicious! Her extended family always looked forward to her gifts of Christmas cookies and chocolate-covered cherries. She especially loved the Christmas season and for over 18 years, she enjoyed opening her home for a Christmas open house for friends and family. Her loving family includes her children Diane J.(Richard) Barrett-Curtis of Dowagiac, Robin S. (Lee) Ballou of Wyoming, MI, Kim M. Fergison of Dowagiac, James (Elizabeth) Barrett of Lawton and Kelly (Steve) Mize of South Bend; grandchildren Jennifer Downer, Brent Fergison, Sidney (Randy) Rank, Sam (Renee’) Ballou, Jacob (Kristin) Ballou, Hazen Barrett and Carson Barrett; great grandchildren Annastasia, Anwar and Aidin Downer, Rylee and Carter Ballou; sister Bessie Maye Post of Waco, TX and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a son David in 1972, her husband Robert in 2005, sister Mary A. Durso and brother William H. Erickson. Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel. Her memorial service will be held at Silver Creek United Methodist Church on Wednesday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Heather McDougall. She will be laid to rest in Hamilton Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to ACTION (Area Churches Together in One Network) or Cass County Council on Aging-Front Street Crossing. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Florence at www.yazel-clark.com.