Barbara Ann Brethauer (Bush) of Grand Rapids, MI peacefully passed away June 30th, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born November 25th 1935. She was preceded in death by her husband Wallace Brethauer, daughter Karen Hittle, grandsons Steven Van Dyke and Christopher Brethauer, mother Frances Bush, father Samuel Bush and brother Samuel Bush. She is survived by her son Michael (Tracy) O'Reilly their two children Sean (Erin) O'Reilly and Erin (Sean) Reilly. Daughter Patricia VanDyke, her 2 living children Linda (Chris) Fazzina and Daniel (Rachael) VanDyke. Daughter in Law Brenda Chase her 3 children Amanda Brethauer, Jeff Brethauer and Jennifer (Ashwin) Prasad. Son in law Michael Hittle, 6 children Kari Brethauer, Valencia Sanders, Racquel (Ben) Renkema, Ricky Sanders, Natashia England, Robert Hittle. Sister Donetta (Paul) Jager, Brother Terry (Lin) Bush, as well as 28 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Barbara spent many days enjoying her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for many occasions and frequenting the civic theater with her friends. She especially loved the holidays. During Christmas she ensured everyone was invited; even strangers that showed up received a gift. Every year she made Thanksgiving dinner and forcefully encouraged everyone to partake in a second plate. Halloween was always so much fun, she loved seeing the children in their costumes and she'd whip up her favorite chili recipe to warm up in between rounds of trick or treating. The memories are countless.

In our last days we would be considered lucky to have as much care for us as she did for her.

She was loved by anyone who met her and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday July 8th from 5-7pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with a memorial service to follow on Tuesday July 9th at 11 am at Zaagman's.