Naomi Barber

Naomi Louise Barber, 79, formerly of Battle Creek, MI, died March 6, 2017 at The Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, MI of Parkinson’s disease.

She was born on May 18, 1937 in Elwood, IN, the daughter of Lincoln (“Pem”) and Jeanette (Babbitt) Robbins.  As a child, she participated in youth groups and other activities of Elwood’s First Methodist Church.

She earned a B.A.in Education from Ball State University and a Master of Psychology degree from Western Michigan University.

On June 28, 1959, she married Robert Eugene Barber in Elwood. They had one daughter, Kerry. Both educators, they moved to Allegan, MI. Later, they were divorced.  Naomi taught fifth and sixth grades, and coached basketball and tennis. She then became Coordinator of Ancillary Services and Coordinator of Psychological Services for the Allegan Intermediate School District. She also was the school psychologist for the Plainwell and Otsego School Districts.

In 1982, Naomi became the director of Special Education for the Thornapple-Kellogg School District in Middleville, MI. Around this time, she also moved to Kalamazoo, where she joined  West Hills Tennis Club. She loved playing tennis and golf with her many friends. She especially enjoyed spending time with grandson Isaac and granddaughter Eva.

A move to Battle Creek in 1989 offered Naomi her next educational opportunity when  she joined the faculty of  Kellogg Community College as an adjunct instructor in the Social Science Department.

Many students adored Naomi continuing to keep in touch with her for years. She was an active, fun teacher and administrator who inspired students and colleagues to conquer obstacles to reach their potential. People of all ages were drawn to her.

A love of travel took Naomi to Egypt, Italy, Mexico, and Hawaii with her best friend Rose, and to Germany with her sister Sue. And The Barn Theater in Augusta, with season tickets for over 20 years, gave Naomi the ultimate Michigan theater experience.  Canada’s Stratford Theater in Ontario was a favorite destination for many summers. Her fascination with Barbra Streisand landed her birthday tickets to a live concert in  Detroit that brought tears to her eyes whenever she spoke of it.

Naomi and Judi's St. Mary’s Lake home allowed her to entertain family and friends for many years.

Naomi is survived by her life-partner Judith Burken, Battle Creek; daughter Kerry Scarberry and partner Mike Murray, Pullman, MI; two grandchildren, Eva (Gary) Van Dyk, Paw Paw, MI,and  Isaac (Veronica) Raab, Hopkins, MI; five great grandchildren, Tyler and Naomi Van Dyk and Lincoln, Theodore and Josephine Raab; her sister, Dr. Mary Sue Morgan, Fayetteville, NC; sister-in-law, Joan Babbitt, Evanston, IL; numerous beloved nieces and nephews,  and her best friend, Rose Green of Kalamazoo.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. James Babbitt and niece, Mary Jo Skinner.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 229 Collier Ave. in Battle Creek. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Church. A luncheon for all will be served in the Church hall following Mass. Cremation has taken place, arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  www.henryfuneralhome.org