Barbara L. Eddinger

Barbara Lou Eddinger, 90, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died peacefully at The Legacy at Northpointe Woods on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 after a day with family at her side.

Barbara was born November 14, 1928, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Glenn William Govier and Jennie (Rousch) Govier. She was a 1946 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and attended college at Western Michigan University. She returned home after her father died and was employed as a dental assistant for Dr. Burt Forester for several years.

Barbara married Richard Warren Eddinger (a.k.a. Speed) in 1953. Together hand in hand, side by side they built the iconic famous chain of restaurants called Speed's Koffee Shops. Over the years they expanded to include the beautiful Lakewood Inn on Goguac Lake and the cozy international bistro, Someplace Else. Many of you will remember Barbara as the lovely hostess with a smile for years at Someplace Else. Their marriage ended in divorce but they continued to own the businesses together.

Surviving are her daughter, Shanon Legg of Battle Creek; her son, Michael Alan Eddinger of Frisco, TX; six grandchildren, Matthew (Aisha Calderone) Legg, Jonathan (Jessica Rademacher) Legg, Robert (Melissa) Blanchard, Martin Blanchard, Stephen Eddinger, Peter (Amy) Eddinger; and two very special great-grandchildren, SheaLyn and Colten. Barb was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Hawk and her special friend of nearly 40 years, Paul Bizzis. She and Paul enjoyed years together traveling with their friends, playing tennis, sharing meals, cheering on the UM football team and enjoying their families.

Barbara had a passion for food, family, friends, beauty, travel, her church and volunteer work.

She was an only child and loved her group of friends who met regularly and called themselves "The One and Onlies". She kept busy with her volunteer activities and managing her lovely home on Goguac Lake where she lived for over sixty years.

She was a lifelong member of Westlake Presbyterian Church. She was a longstanding member of the Battle Creek Art Center, the Junior League of Battle Creek and the Red Hat Society. In her younger years she enjoyed skiing as a member of the Battle Creek Ski Club, playing tennis and gardening. Barbara LOVED food and cooking and was a member of a Gourmet Potluck Group, along with traveling the world on Restaurant Association trips. She loved music and never missed a performance of the Battle Creek Symphony or the Brass Band of Battle Creek. More recently she belonged to P.E.O., her "Book Club" and her bridge group. She fashioned herself as a photographer and snapped thousands of photos all over the world, at each event she attended, and every meal that she had.

Barbara will be remembered most for her love. She epitomized grace, dignity, compassion, and kindness to her dying breath. We are all grateful to have been blessed by her loving beautiful spirit. Her legacy will live on in all who knew her.

Barbara's family will receive friends 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A memorial service to celebrate Barb's life will be officiated by Rev. B. Mason Shambach 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Art Center, 265 E. Emmett St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or to the Battle Creek Brass Band, P.O. Box 556, Marshall, MI 49068. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.