Barbara Jean Fessenden, 88, of New Era, joined her Lord and Savior on May 16, 2023.  Barbara was born in Moddersville, Michigan on December 9, 1934 to Ed and Lena (Grinwis) Leutzinger. 

Barb married Claire (Fuzz) Fessenden on December 13, 1952. Barb worked at Shelby State Bank from the time she was 17 years old until retirement. They had six children together, Roger (Kathy) Fessenden, Debra (Wally) Wolting, Douglas (Laura) Fessenden, Mary (Curt) Schouten, Ruth (Terry) Pecott and Becky Jo. They had 17 grand children 28 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous children that passed through their home that were loved like their own. 

Barbara is a lifelong member of New Era Reformed Church and was involved in the woman’s Coffee Break.  In retirement Barb and Claire joined the West Michigan Boot Scooters and enjoyed their time with that group of friends dancing up west Michigan. Barb love to read, but mostly enjoyed the pool parties with her family.

Barb is survived by: her six children; sisters, Betty Isley, Carol Holmberg; sister-in-law, Margaret Leutzinger; brother-in-law, Earl Johnsen.

Barb was proceeded in death by: her husband, Claire; brother, Jerry Leutzinger; sister, Sharon Johnsen; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Bob Holmberg, Russell and Opal, Ivan and Betty, George and Irene, Ken and Dorothy, Frieda and Leroy Tanner, Phyllis and Robert Putney, Bob Isley; son-in-laws, Mike Porte, and Lyle Brummel.

In leu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: Operation Christmas Child, with checks made out to New Era Reformed Church, 4775 First Street, New Era, Michigan 49446.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 12 pm, Friday, May 19, 2023, at New Era Reformed Church, 4775 First Street, New Era, Michigan 49446 with pastors Scott VanArendonk and Ben Oliveira officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5 pm until 8 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455.  Interment will be at 10 am Friday, May 19, 2023, at the New Era Cemetery, 1863 Oak Avenue, New Era, Michigan 49446.  A luncheon will follow the funeral services at the New Era Reformed Church.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

ww.harrisfhome.com