Barbara Ann Gordon

Barabara Ann Gordon, 71, of Ottawa, passed away on September 21, 2026, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her husband at her side.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, at the Ottawa Lions Club in Ottawa.

Barbara was born on December 2, 1954, the daughter of Everett and Barbara (Carmean) Smedley, in Muskegon, Michigan. She married Eugene Gordon on April 2, 1982, in Gatesville, Texas, while Eugene was serving in the Army. She worked at Marseilles Elementary School as a bus monitor for the preschool, and crossing guard for many years.

Barbara loved roller skating as a teenager. That carried over into her adulthood and throughout her life. She had her kids in roller skates at a young age and passed her love for skating to her kids and grandkids. It wasn't unusual to see her put on skates at one of the grandkids' birthday parties.

Barbara had the biggest personality and sense of humor. She loved Halloween and Christmas. She loved dressing up for Halloween and it was not unusual to see her wearing a Santa hat in December. Her Christmas light displays were the highlight of the neighborhood. She got so many compliments about them and she loved that.

Barbara loved her family. She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, sister and aunt. She made her life all about her children and grandchildren. She raised her grandchildren until she passed. They were her greatest joy. Barbara loved supporting them at their extracurricular activities. She never missed an opportunity to brag about her kids and grandkids accomplishments. She was so proud and let everyone know. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Eugene; children, Barbara J Gordon, Verna (Shannon) Robbins, Melissa Norris; grandchildren, Destiny Klene, Leylah Klene, Emmett Klene, Rylee Norris, Tessa Norris, Bethany Norris, Ronald Norris, Paige Norris; siblings, Viola Hawkins (Grand Haven, MI), and Everett (Annette) Smedley, Jr. (Norton Shores, MI). She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Chris Smedley, Verna Bathrick, Vicki Smedley.