Barbara Jean (Detroyer) Batherson age 93, died at home May 30, 2026 with her daughters at her side.

Barbara was born January 1, 1933 in Detroit, MI to Ernest N. and Elizabeth (Connelly) Detroyer. She graduated from Holy Redeemer High School and went to University of Detroit Mercy for two years.

In December 1953, Barbara married Charles R. Batherson, who she was married to for 63 years at the time of his passing. They lived in Detroit until 1956 when they moved to the suburb of Garden City, MI, where they raised their family. Barbara was a stay-at-home mom until 1973. She then went to work at Manufacturers Bank as a teller. Barbara retired in 1992. The following year Barbara and Charles moved to Lake City, MI.

While living in Lake City, Barbara was very active, joining groups such as The Garden Club, and The Red Hat Society. Barbara along with Charles joined a square-dancing group, much to the surprise of their children, as they were never known to be dancers. Barbara also helped run the annual Ox Roast put on by the Korean War Veterans after the Greatest Fourth in the North parade in Lake City.

In 2006, Barbara and Charles moved to Westland, MI to be closer to family. Barbara remained active, joining groups such as the Friendship Center in Westland, the Ladies of the Abbeys and the choir at St. Thomas the Apostle church. She regularly went to lunch with her friends from the Garden City neighborhood where they lived for 37 years.

Barbara’s other passion was traveling. Her love of travel started with trips taken with her parents and siblings. One notable memory she had from her youth was visiting Mount Rushmore and being able to drive right up to it. Something that couldn’t be done when she returned for a visit 70 years later. Barbara continued to travel with her spouse, children, grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law and friends throughout her life, up until the age of 85. She traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. If there was an opportunity for a travel adventure, she was ready to go. At the age of 77 she ziplined for the first time in New Hampshire. She was a little hesitant at first, but after the first line, she pushed passed everyone to be the first to go down the rest of the lines, because she loved it so much. She had many adventures, but always said her favorite was the Grand European River Cruise.

Barbara was survived by her children Patricia McKelvy, Scott (Mari Galvez), Amy (Jeffrey) Frazee, and Susan (Walter) Pichla. She was Mother-in-law to Anne Batherson.

She was also survived by her grandchildren: Tori (Blake) Granberry, Susie (Chad Scribner) Sowell, Philip (Krystal) Frazee, Brian (Jen DeHart) McKelvy, Jay Batherson, Vincent Frazee, Kristin (Kyle) Baitsholts, Karen (James) Oxendine and Megan Pichla, along with 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter and her beloved cat Socks.

Barbara was predeceased by her spouse Charles, son Charles (Chuck), sister Virginia, brother-in-law Jim, brother Ernest, sister-in-law Barbara, brother John, sister-in-law Anne and brother-in-law Bill.

Cremation took place privately. A memorial service will be held toward the end of this month.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Gary Sinise Foundation, or a charity of your choice.