06/01/2026
Betty Mae (Augustine) Barber
November 2, 1931 - May 31, 2026 (Age 94)
Betty Mae Barber, age 94, of Allegan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2026, at Briarwood Assisted Living & Memory Care in Allegan. Born on November 2, 1931, in Otsego, Michigan, Betty was the daughter of Herman Augustine Jr. and Marion Augustine. She graduated from Otsego High School in 1950 and lived a life marked by deep faith, joyful devotion, and love for others. A lifelong Christian and devoted member of Trowbridge Community Church, Betty loved Jesus with all her heart, and that love overflowed into every life she touched. In her later years, she also faithfully enjoyed Pastor Nate Smithโs messages from First Baptist Church of Allegan by livestream. Betty never met a strangerโeveryone was welcomed, cherished, and loved. She had a beautiful way of making people feel seen, often with a sweet wink that lets you know she cared. Her radiant smile could light up any room, and her joy for life shone through each day. Along with all that sweetness, Betty also carried a little sassy spice that made her unforgettable and dearly loved by all who knew her. Betty was a homemaker raising her family, while owning and operating Barberโs Furniture with her husband in Allegan for 44 years, and after her children were raised, she returned to work at the Perrigo Company until she retired after 25 years. She was active in many parts of her community, including T.O.P.S. #1007, the Moose Lodge in Otsego, leader for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and 4-H.
Betty is survived by her children, Nancy and Mark Gibson, Cathy Boysen and Greg Nash, Sandy and Scott Gillette, and Lori and Jay Drozd all from Allegan; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild whom she dearly loved and adored; her sister, Ruth Barber; and sister & brother in laws Marilyn Barber, John & Earleen Barber, and Don & Joyce Barber; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Barber; her son, Dale Barber; her son-in-law, Mike Boysen; her grandson, Juston Gillette; her siblings, Marie Hayes, Robert Augustine, Donald Augustine, Bud Augustine, Suzie Augustine, and Richard Augustine; and her brothers-in-laws, Orrie Barber and Hank Barber.
Friends may visit the family at Trowbridge Community Church, 355 26th Street, Otsego, on Thursday, June 4, at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m., a private graveside will take place at Oakwood Cemetery while guests enjoy refreshments until, and luncheon will follow when family returns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings Home of Allegan.
