Barbara R. Sutter died at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington, MI on June 6, 2018 as a result of Alzheimer's Disease.  She was born Barbara Ann Ray on October 30, 1932 in Owensboro, Kentucky the daughter of Joanna (Mason) and Edward Marshall Ray.  Most of her childhood was spent in Kentucky.  During World War II she, her parents and sister Emily, lived in Arizona and California due to her father's military career.  Following the war, the family moved to Milan, Michigan.  Barbara graduated from Milan High School in 1950.

She attended the University of Michigan and received her BS in Medical Technology in 1954.  It was at U of M where she met William F. Sutter who would be her husband for 54   years until his death on May 22, 2008.  Bill's medical career brought them to Toledo, Ohio for his residency and a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Once his Army career was completed, they moved to Ludington, MI where they purchased the medical practice of Dr.  Leo Goulet.

Bill's busy medical career and a growing family led Barb to be a full-time mother to Pam, Susie, Laura and Eric.  Despite her duties as a wife and mother she carved out time to be of service to a variety of organizations in the community.  She served as a Girl Scout Leader and PTA parent when the family was young.  She was an active member of the West Shore Art League and the Medical Auxiliary of Memorial Medical Center.  She served in a variety of capacities as a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Ludington Chapter.  She served as President of AAUW and received the Named Grant Scholarship.

She was elected to the School Board of Ludington Area Schools and served on the West Shore Community College Foundation Board.  She was an avid reader and served as a literacy tutor with the Friends of the Ludington Public Library.  She and Bill were devoted members of the U of M Alumni Association and closely followed U of M football.  She was also a super fan of Pat Jensen and her girl's gymnastics teams thanks to Laura's participation in the sport.

Barb maintained a beautiful home and was a lover of art and antiques.  She collected paintings, furniture, glass and jewelry.  Her children can tell humorous stories of how they entertained themselves sitting in the car outside this or that antique shop waiting for their parents to return with the "bargain" of the day.

She was also a talented seamstress and made home accessories and clothing for herself and family.  She loved to visit Glen of Michigan in Manistee for the latest high fashion fabrics and notions and often replicated or improved upon their styles.

Barb lavished attention on her grandchildren Abby Christensen Kurtti, Claire Munch McFarlane, Scott Andersen, Alexa Christensen, Joanna Andersen Strom, Alexandria and Gabriella Sutter.  Alzheimer's robbed her of the pleasure of her great grandchildren; Liam and Finn McFarlane and Ingrid Kurtti.

Barbara is survived by daughter Pam and husband Ralph Christensen of Marquette, MI; daughter Susan and husband Allen Andersen of Ludington; daughter Laura and husband David Simpson of Lockport, IL; former son-in-law Robert Munch of Chicago, IL and son Eric and girlfriend April Cynowa of Ludington and former-daughter-in-law Wendy Sutter.  She is also survived by grandchildren Abby and husband Anders Kurtti of Hancock, MI; Claire and husband Sean McFarlane of Frankfort, IL; Scott Andersen and fiancé Katie Wolfe of Ludington; Alexa Christensen of Marquette, MI; Joanna and husband Ryan Strom of Brighton, MI and Alexandria and Gabriella Sutter of Ludington.

She is also survived by her sister Sue Emily Moore of Minneapolis, MN; niece Jennifer Moore and husband David Michelucci and great niece Annabelle of Walnut Creek, CA and nephew Joshua Moore and wife Amy Tibbetts and great nephew Eero of Beloit, WI.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Ellen Sutter of O'Fallon, IL and nieces Kathleen Mongiovi, Sharon Sutter also of O'Fallon and nephew John Sutter of Howell, MI.  She is also survived by niece Beverly and husband Tom Gale of Brooklyn Park, MN; nephews Robert and wife Donna Sutter of Countryside, IL and William and wife Judy Sutter of Harrodsburg, KY.  Barbara also treasured her close friendship with Dot (Dorothy) Boon who supported her throughout her illness.

The family would like to acknowledge the superior care that Barbara received from the staff at the Sutter Living Center and Oakview Medical Care Facility.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, 309 S. Washington Ave., Ludington, with Pastor Wayne Buskirk officiating.  Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Monday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Oakview Medical Care Facility or the Ludington Public Library.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com