Marcia A. Barnhart

1935 ~ 2024

Marcia Ann Barnhart (Bulliss), age 88, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Marcia was born in Grand Rapids, MI on May 11, 1935, the daughter of George and Velma (Link) Bulliss. She was raised in Grand Rapids, MI and attended Alger Elementary School, Burton Middle School, and South High School, where she graduated in 1953. She attended Wittenberg College in Springfield, OH where she was an active member in the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She received her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI and continued her education where she received her master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.

She is survived by the father of her three children, Bruce Barnhart, Sr. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Julia A. Brubaker (Doug) and her son, Daniel J. Barnhart (Kathy Beteta); grandchildren, Stuart Thompson, Randy Thompson, Jack Brubaker, Brittany McNeil ( John), and Luke Brubaker; Ally Healey (Dan), Caley Lawlor ( Jack) and Crosby Burns (Michael). Eight greatgrandchildren; Nina McNeil, Jack, Ford, Philip, and Annie Lawlor; Harris, Marnie, and Lottie Healey; and a ninth greatgrandchild, Baby Burns, due in July 2024. Marcia’s pride and joy were her three children. Her successful career included retail management in MI and FL, career counseling at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI and Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, MI. She retired from Western Michigan University as Director of Career Services. Marcia was a faithful servant of God. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI for most of her life, where she sang in the youth choir, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed several social groups.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed fashion, appreciated the arts, and loved her sweets, particularly, a “black cow”.

Marcia found peace in the rolling hills, sandy beaches, and tranquility of the blue waters of Glen Arbor, MI, where her parents built a cottage on Sleeping Bear Bay. She also enjoyed visiting the desert in Scottsdale, AZ. She will forever remain in the hearts of all those who were touched by her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother George Bulliss, Jr. ( Jane) and her oldest son, Bruce Barnhart, Jr.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care Marcia received from the staff of Emmanuel Hospice and Porter Hills Memory Care Unit.

In lieu of flowers, if one wishes, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids, MI, Alzheimer’s Association, or Glen Lake Woman’s Club.