Beulah, Michigan - With deep love we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Sanchez, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who passed away June 15, 2026 surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Muskegon, MI, and grew up with her two brothers (Jim and Ronnie) and sisters (Doris and Sandra) in Thompsonville, MI.

She graduated from Copemish High School in 1958, and finished her senior year with a class trip to Washington D.C. One of her jobs after graduation was picking strawberries, where she met her husband, John. They were married on January 2, 1960, at St. Raphaels Catholic Church, Copemish, MI, spending 66 loving years together.

She was a scratch cook from an early age of 16, placing 2nd in the Manistee County Cherry Pie baking contest. Barbara loved to bring our family and friends together with wonderful foods and holiday traditions (cinnamon rolls, peanut brittle, fudge, along with canning everything under the sun and many picnic favorites). She continued her love of cooking after retiring from H.W. Jenks (31 years), Frankfort, MI, and brought her cherished recipes to The Roadhouse restaurant in Benzonia, MI (10 years). She would make over 5000 of her legendary Empanadas for the restaurant prior to leaving to spend her winter in South Texas. She loved the staff at the restaurant and was the last place she dined out before her passing.

She loved family trips throughout the United States, playing on Crystal Lake, snowmobiling, traveling, and has spent 25 plus year RV'ing developing friendships with people from all over the world. Her life was built around her husband John, and her five daughters, Theresa (Vince) Sanchez-Grzesiak, Tammy (Warren) Clouse, Patricia (Jeff) Bittenbender-Beach, Kimberly (Joseph) Leptich, and Christinia (Jason) Sanchez-Bradford, who have survived her. Barbara has nine beautiful grandchildren, Nicole (John), Samantha, Alexandra (Chad), Brittany (Caleb), Alexander, Joseph III (Rachel), Brianna (Connor), Emily (Nicholas), Brooke (Josh) along with four great-grandchildren, Addison, Logan, Brooks and Hudson. She is also mourned by her many friends.

A Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Frankfort, MI. We will greet other family members and friends starting at 10:00 AM with a luncheon to follow the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49696.