Barbara Jean Borth's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara (Barb) Borth into the arms of God, on January 25, 2021.Barb was born to Alice and Arthur Odine on March 1, 1944 in Taylor, Michigan. Barb's family experienced tragedy early on when her father suddenly passed away when she was 10 years old, leaving Barb to help raise her younger sister Mary. After high school graduation, Barb attended Madonna College while working as a nurses' aide. In 1965 she married the late Peter Hector Sr. and settled in the Detroit area but soon moved to Higgins Lake where Barb began her teaching career at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. At the same time, she completed her education and received her Bachelor's in Education at Madonna College. She would later follow that up with a Master's in Education from Central Michigan University.In the summer of 1972, the family found their way to Big Rapids, where, for the next 40 years she became a well-known, respected, and loved teacher and principal in the Big Rapids Public School System and at St. Mary's Catholic School. On July 12, 1987, Barb began the next journey in her life when she married Dave Borth.Barb and Dave, along with sharing a passion for education, were great contributors to their churches and community. However, nothing matched the joy they found with their children and grandchildren. The memories with Grandma (and Grandpa) will be cherished forever. After Dave's passing Barb continued many family traditions and will be lovingly remembered for the joy that she brought them. Barbara is survived by her children Pete (Stacey) Hector, Susan Hector, Scott (Kathy) Hector, and Mike (Melissa) Hector; her stepchildren Andrew (Nicole) Borth and Rebecca Borth; along with adored grandchildren, Mariah (Mike Somers) Hector, Christian, Maya, Caitlyn, Emma, Henry and Markus Hector, and Stephen, Anthony and Alex Borth; and her sister Mary Zoerman.Preceding her in death were her parents; stepfather Daniel "Red" McGovern, adored husband David Borth, infant daughter Kimberly "Kimmy" Hector, brother Joseph Odine, and sister Catherine Goretski.A Celebratory Mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Fathers Michael Burt and Lam Le con-celebrants. Barb's family will greet friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2021 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Those in attendance will be required to wear a mask and social distance. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School or St. Jude's Children Hospital. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
To view a live stream of the funeral follow this link https://youtu.be/_oNKV7DYiGk
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