Ella May Barber

February 19, 1931 - December 13, 2019

We can grieve for what we have lost or be thankful for all the time we were given and through the tears we shall have our memories! Ella May Barber passed quietly Friday, December 13, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. Ella May was born in South Boardman on February 19, 1931 to the late Fred and Ella Martindale. She married Leo Barber on March 8, 1950 at her parents’ home during a Michigan snowstorm. They settled in Rapid City where they raised their family. Ella May enjoyed a full and busy life as a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved dancing, playing cards with friends, and crafting. One of her favorite past-times was checking out garage sales. Ella May was quiet and shy, but fiercely independent. She was happiest taking care of family and friends. She loved to cook, kept an immaculate house and instilled in her children the value of family. She was a gracious hostess who made you feel at home when visiting, whether it was for a couple hours or days. Ella May is survived by her husband of 69 years Leo; children Gay (Bob) Rowell, Sharla (Leon) Leach, Leo Jay (Dawn) Barber; grandchildren Beth (Jim) Stricko, Matt (Stacy) Leach, Jen (Rick) Groleau, Jamie Bea (Michael) Gaye, Andrea (Stephen) Brown and Erica Barber; six great grandchildren; sisters, Deloris Miller and Opal Chilson and best friend Gretchen Peck. Ella May was met by her beloved daughter, Karla Sue, brothers Jerry and Fred Martindale and Bill Stephenson. Special Thanks and appreciation are given to the staff at Kalkaska Assisted Living, Laura Casey and all of those that she came to love as family. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. In place of flowers or donation the family asks that you perform a random act of kindness in her memory.