Marilyn J Barber

Marilyn J. Barber, 85 of Central Lake died Saturday, August 15, 2026 after a brief illness.  She was born Feb. 18, 1941 in Central Lake the daughter of Rance and Opal (DeForest) Halladay.  

In 1990, Marilyn married Jim Barber.  They enjoyed spending their lives together driving around the area and going out to eat, especially at the Front Porch in Ellsworth.   Marilyn was a hard worker with 37 years working as a press operator at Gulf and Western and 10 years working at the fish hatchery in East Jordan.

In her free time, she could be found with a book in her hand or riding horses during her younger years.  Most recently she was notorious for keeping a meticulously maintained lawn at her home.

She is survived by her sisters Joyce Matkin of AZ, Anna Sidor of FL, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her husband Jim in 2023, brothers David and Robert Halladay, sister Tootsie Halladay and her parents.

Marilyn was a christian woman who spent Sunday mornings at Grace Community Church in Central Lake.  

Graveside services will be held Monday, August 24, at 1 p.m. at Southern Cemetery, Central Lake.  Memorial contributions can be given to the Front Porch, PO BOX 37, Ellsworth, MI 49729

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.