Barbara "Barb" Ruth Egland

Barbara “Barb” Ruth Egland, age 88, of Battle Creek passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023. She was born in Chicago on September 23, 1934, to Russell and Ruth (Rusch) Hayes. She moved with her parents to Cedar Rapids, IA, where she attended high school and graduated from Coe College. After college, she worked in Bettendorf, IA, as a junior high school teacher where she taught history and English, directed school plays, and coached the debate team.

Upon moving to Battle Creek in 1967, she became an active volunteer with the Battle Creek Civic Theatre and the Leila Hospital Auxiliary. She served as chairperson for the Leila Follies, in addition to several other chair roles within the Follies. For many years she served as publicity chair for Leila Auxiliary, later known as the Battle Creek Health System Auxiliary and now Bronson Battle Creek. She served as both President of the Southwest District and on the state board of the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates.  She also worked as a coordinator for Art Goes to School for the Battle Creek Art Center, was a member of the Downtown Development Authority and the Lakeview Downtown Development Authority. She was an active and long-time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, serving on a number of committees and hosting many church parties in her home.

Outside of her volunteer activities, she enjoyed gardening, attending movies and plays, entertaining and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.  

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Franklin Egland, a son, Michael (Marissa) Egland from Spokane, WA, a daughter, Linda (Douglas) Bledsoe from Loveland, OH, a brother, Russell (Marcia) Hayes, Jr. from Hot Springs Village, AR, five grandchildren, Justin, Monika, Kara, Amanda, and Halle, and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 14th at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1079 Riverside Drive Battle Creek, MI 49015, where services to celebrate Barb's life will begin at 11:00 a.m.  Memorials directed to the St. Peter Lutheran Church, would be appreciated.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Barb may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.