Barbara Lynn (Henderson) Parsons

Barbara Lynn Parsons, 82, of Battle Creek, MI peacefully passed away on September 22, 2026.

Barbara was born to Harry William Henderson and Harriet Ann Crittenden on February 18, 1944, in Oshkosh, WI. She earned her GED from Battle Creek Central High School and went on to start Xanadu Cleaning Services, which she faithfully operated from 1976-1996. Soon after, she received her Reserve Police Officer Certificate from Kellogg Community College in April of 1996. Barbara was a woman of many hats, thriving in several service areas throughout her life. She was self-employed; performing a wide range of home and pet care services, worked for the Cheff Center for the Handicapped, where she groomed horses, prepared animals for students, coordinated special events and helped with fund raising; trained dogs at Harper Creek Adult Education, served as a customer service representative at Fairview Ltd., and worked as a cashier at Capital Foods in Battle Creek.

Barbara was a dedicated steward who served the City of Battle Creek for her entire life. When she wasn’t working, you could find her volunteering or attending city-wide events. She served as a member of the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council, a member of the Battle Creek Kennel Club, and was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Proudly, she volunteered with the Handicapped Parking Patrol from 1992-1994 and the Battle Creek International Balloon Festival from 1980-2020. Leader Dogs for the Blind, 4H of Calhoun County, and the Cub Scouts also had the honor to have Barbara serve alongside them for many years. She was a servant leader who understood the importance of providing excellent service in all aspects of her work.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Forrest Gerald Parsons, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Judith Carson; sons Thomas (Tina) Parsons of Bellevue, MI, Daniel (Angie) Parsons of Delton, MI; grandchildren Tylar Parsons, Paige Parsons, Lexi Parsons, Ashley Boyd, Archie (Pam) Boyd; and two great-grandchildren, Kayla Boyd and Raymond Greenawalt.

Friends will be received 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service to celebrate her life will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2026. Barb will be laid to rest with her parents at Ellenwood Cemetery in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Personal messages for Barb’s family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.