WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara Joann Huftile, age 78, of Sturgis, went to be with her Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, May 8, 2013, at her home, with her husband at her side.
She was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Samuel E. and Helen (Tennent) Large.
Barbara was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1953.
On May 29, 1953, she married Kenneth Huftile in Sturgis.
Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. Before having children, she had been employed by Harold Walters Insurance Company and the Sturgis Journal.
She was an active member of the White Pigeon Church of Christ. Being one who loved children, she served in the nursery and participated with Vacation Bible School.
She was an honorary member of the Sturgis Kiwanis Club and a dedicated fan of the Detroit Tigers. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, gardening, watching birds and crocheting, especially the blankets she would crochet and give to others. Over the years she donated many blankets to Thurston Woods Village. Barbara had several interests and hobbies, but what she truly cherished was time spent with her family she so dearly loved, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 60 years, Ken; four daughters, Rebecca (Roger) Evilsizor of Sturgis, Pamela (Michael) Fischer of Cumming, Ga., Amy (Jeff) Masterman of Bakersville, N.C., and Jeanie (Rob) Goldner of St. Joe, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Colby Evilsizor, Kirby Evilsizor, Calico (Mike) Schrader, Rachel (Travis) Brown, Barbara Fischer, Holly (Will) McClure, Tiffany (Cliff) Riser, Aaron Goldner and Simon Goldner; six great-grandchildren, Travis Brown, Rayna Brown, Ivy Rose Pagels, Daniel McClure, Ezra McClure and Parker Goldner; three sisters, Gloria Ware of Indianapolis, Wava Jean Watson of Sturgis and Margaret Ford of Sturgis; a brother, David (Carol) Large of Oklahoma City, Okla.; a sister-in-law, Rosie Large of Sturgis; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Kenneth Large.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Barbara J. Huftile will be held at
1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Barry Edds of White Pigeon Church of Christ will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Huftile’s memory consider Great Lakes Christian College, 6211 W. Willow Hwy., Waverly, MI 48917 or White Pigeon Church of Christ, 70428 S. Kalamazoo St., White Pigeon, MI 49099.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
