Barbara Lou Eldridge

Barbara Lou Eldridge, age 84, of Augusta, died peacefully at her home on Monday morning, April 15, 2013. She was born in Battle Creek on May 10, 1928 the daughter of Ray and Helen Mae (Phillipson) Harper. Barbara graduated from Lakeview High School and furthered her education, receiving a BSN in Nursing from the Hackley School in Muskegon. She worked as an RN for many years at the Battle Creek VA Hospital, Borgess Medical Center and also worked for Dr. Marshall McDonald.

Barbara married the "Love of her life", Glen G. Eldridge, in Battle Creek on April 5, 1952. She is survived by her husband of more than 61 years, Glen; her children, Vern (Wendy) Eldridge of Augusta, Tonya (John Andrews) Eldridge of Kalamazoo, Glenna (Larry Wilson) Eldridge of Battle Creek, and Kelli Shaffer of Galesburg; 7 grandchildren, Troy, Ashley, Brandon (Ellie), Larry (Lori), Jacob (Tara), Justin, and Bonnie (Trever); 7 great-grandchildren, Darrian, Dylan, Braydon, Teagon, Hailey, Faith, and Alivia; 3 sisters, Beverly Harper, Dorothy Duggan, Jane Carter, and several nieces, nephews and good friends.

Barbara was truly a wonderful, caring and tolerant woman who blessed many as a good friend and caretaker. She enjoyed many types of arts & crafts, baking, cooking, fishing and travelling up north. Barbara truly loved spending time with her family and many good friends.

A memorial luncheon to celebrate Barbara's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Augusta VFW Post #7956, 13540 W. M-96, Augusta, MI 49012. Memorials directed to Reverence Home Health & Hospice, 348 N. Burdick Kalamazoo, MI 49007, would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.