Barbara Ann Watson, age 89, of Adrian, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 5, 2025, at Hampton Manor in Adrian. Born on July 4, 1936, in Seneca Township to Carl and Zola Lowe, Barbara was a true Independence Day baby whose life was marked by warmth, strength, and a generous spirit. On June 10, 1955, she married the love of her life, James R. Watson, and together they shared 41 wonderful years until his passing in 1996. Barbara worked as a seamstress for General Motors, where she retired in 1995 after 26 years of dedicated service. Her talent with her hands extended far beyond her work—whether crocheting, tending to her garden, or raising the sweetest watermelons that she delighted in selling to friends and neighbors. She found joy in simple pleasures: bowling, playing bingo, visiting the casino, and cherishing the peace of trips “up north” with Jim. Above all, Barbara’s greatest happiness came from her family, whom she loved dearly. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her daughters, Cathy (Kim) Shoemaker and Cindy (Les) Taylor; her sister, Ardith (Carl) Fisher; four grandchildren, Bill (Stephanie) Hamilton, Jr., Michael Hamilton, Shanna (William) Harger, and Erik (Jennifer) Taylor; and five great-grandchildren, Zoie, Everett, Emmalyn, Wyatt, and Bodhi. In addition to her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two infant children. A funeral service honoring Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Raisin Valley Cemetery in Adrian Township. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.
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