Barbara Jean Peters, lovingly known as Barb. She lived a life that reflected kindness, strength,

and steady devotion. She passed away on May 16, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age

of 82 after a six year battle with Alzheimer's, she succumbed to pneumonia.

Barb was born on September 16, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Joe and Dena Hoort. She

grew up with the values of faith, hard work and family and those values remained with her

throughout her life. She was a Christian woman whose life was marked by grace and quiet

determination. She carried herself with a spirit that encouraged others and she made people feel

seen, supported and cared for in ways that left a lasting impression.

She graduated in 1961 from Grand Rapids Christian High School. In 1965 Barb married her

sweetheart, John Lee Peters. They went on to build a wonderful life together. Barb had a

successful career, working her way up and becoming the office manager at Prudential

Insurance. In that role, Barb brought organization, reliability and a calm presence to the

workplace. After retiring she spent many years serving as church secretary at Cascade Christian

Church. She was someone who made the environment better by being in it.

Barb lived life with enthusiasm and joy. She adored her Schnauzer's. They were the children

she never had. She loved traveling in the motor home with her longtime partner, Ron Bly. She

enjoyed square dancing, a pastime that reflected her sense of fun and connection with others.

She also had a reputation as a professional shopper, a title that speaks to her eye for finding just

the right things. These interests were more than hobbies. They were expressions of a woman

who knew how to enjoy life and share laughter. She brought joy to the people around her.

Those who knew Barb would describe her as selfless, loving and thoughtful, and those words

truly capture the way she lived. Caring for others came naturally. Her love was steady and

sincere. Barb made a difference simply by being who she was.

Barb was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Lee Peters, as well as her parents, Joe

and Dena Hoort and her sister, Betty Harte. She is survived by her sister, Shirley and Mike

Sheppard and her brother, Ken and Jeanne Hoort. She also leaves behind many nieces and

nephews, Scott (Kristin) Ritsema, Krystin (Paul) Martens, Amanda (Arumun) Nyamor, Michael

Sheppard, Jeremy (Stephanie) Hoort and Peter (Laurie) Hoort along with many great-nieces and

great-nephews who were blessed to know her warmth and presence.

Barb's life demonstrated that strength can be gentle, that faith can be steady and that a life filled

with compassion can leave a powerful mark. Her life encourages us to live with intention, to

care deeply and to make each day count. She will be remembered with love, gratitude and

admiration by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and

caregivers at Sunrise of Cascade for the care given to Barb.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 am at Cascade Christian

Church, 2829 Thornapple River Dr SE. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 11:00 am. Private

interment to take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.