Barbara Ann Sanders, of Portage, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on December 29, 1933, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Valentine and Josephine (Elias) Varvir and one of their eleven children.
Barbara will be remembered as a woman who always put her family first, was strong in her faith, and carried with her a wonderful sense of humor. Her family knew her as someone who could brighten any moment with a practical joke, a quick comment, or her unmistakable warmth. Her love and devotion were constant gifts to those around her.
Barbara graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and later traveled to San Diego, California, where she enjoyed taking college courses in Southern California. Her working life reflected her caring nature and dedication to others. For more than 18 years, she served as a secretary for Family and Children Services of Kalamazoo. She also worked as a teacher’s aide at Sunset Lake Elementary School with Vicksburg Community Schools.
One of the great blessings of Barbara’s life was the more than 48 years she shared with the love of her life, Robert Sanders. They were married on September 9, 1959, and in the 1960s made their home in Vicksburg on Austin Lake. Together, they raised their two children, Brent and Darci, building a family life that remained at the center of Barbara’s heart.
Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She delighted in her beloved granddogs and, later, her great-grandchildren, who brought her countless moments of happiness.
Barbara loved being with her family whenever she could. She was also a devoted Michigan State University Spartan fan—a true “Sparty” at heart. She enjoyed watching Gunsmoke on television, reading books about history and Native Americans, and continuing to learn throughout her life. Her Catholic faith was deeply important to her, and she was a longtime member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Family meant everything to Barbara, and her siblings held a special place in her heart. She shared an especially unique and loving bond with her sister Fran. The time they spent together growing up, and later raising families of their own, was deeply cherished by both.
Barbara Ann Sanders will be remembered for her love, her faith, her humor, and the deep devotion she gave to her family throughout the years. Her grandchildren could always count on her for brutal honesty, a willingness to answer their calls, and unwavering encouragement. She was someone who would cheer them on, tell them exactly what she thought, and love them fiercely all the same.
Her life was marked by loyalty, curiosity, laughter, faith, and love. Those who knew and loved Barbara will carry her memory forward with gratitude for all the ways she touched their lives.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, in 2007; her parents, Valentine and Josephine Varvir; and nine siblings, Pete, Mary, Rudy, Johnny, Rosie, Joseph, Dorothy, Francis, and Jeanette.
She is survived by her two children, Brent (KC) Sanders of Bath and Darci (Jeff) Schimp of Vicksburg; two grandchildren, Dr. Lindsey (Matthew) Morris of Vicksburg and Scott (Madeline) Schimp of Indiana; and four great-grandchildren, Murphy, Abel, Camden, and Wells. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Varvir of Kalamazoo, and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, with Monsignor Thomas Martin officiating. The family will greet friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass, Barbara’s ashes will be buried at Vicksburg Cemetery.
While visiting amsfuneralhomes.com, please take a moment to sign Barbara’s guestbook and share a favorite memory with her family. Those who wish may make contributions to Generous Hands and/or Centrica Care Navigators.
The Sanders family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097, (269) 649-1697.
