Barbara Elyse Roush

Barbara Elyse Roush, a beacon of faith and kindness, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 69, in Ocala, Florida. Born on December 13, 1955, in Watervliet, Michigan, Barbara's life was marked by her creative spirit and her unwavering commitment to her family and the Word of God. Barbara grew up in the warm embrace of a large family and carried the love and values instilled in her throughout her life. She earned her diploma from Hartford High School in 1983, showing her dedication to education and personal growth. She continued to expand her knowledge and skills, earning an Associates in Arts from Southern Michigan College in 1990. In 1996, Barbara achieved another milestone by obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, which paved the way for her fulfilling career. Professionally, Barbara was a devoted nutritionist for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, where she worked tirelessly until her retirement in 2014. Her career was more than a job; it was a manifestation of her desire to nourish and support the most vulnerable in society. Barbara's gentle demeanor and expert guidance left a lasting impact on countless lives. Barbara was a woman of many interests, each reflecting the depth and diversity of her character. She found solace in reading and took great pleasure in spending quality time with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren. A true "Trekkie" at heart, Barbara enjoyed watching Star Trek, a pastime that sparked her imagination and sense of adventure. Her hands were rarely idle, as she expressed her creativity through knitting and scrapbooking. Above all, Barbara was a student of the Bible, dedicating herself to understanding and living by its teachings. Barbara's legacy is carried on by her loving daughter and son-in-love, Jessica and Venkat Chitumalla of Ocala, FL; her sisters, Sue Hand of St. Joe, MI, and Anita Bard of Bono, AK; and her four cherished grandchildren, Elana, Brianna, Avani, and Jatin. She was preceded in death by daughter, Katie Bailey(2012); her parents, Allen James and Tinnie McConnell; and her siblings, Bobby Joe McConnell (1944), Loretta Mesik (2006), Cynthia Glenn (2008), Thomas McConnell (2014), Charles McConnell (2015), and Betty Bitely (2015). Those who knew Barbara would describe her as faith-filled, kind, and endlessly creative. She lived her life with grace and purpose, touching the hearts of all who crossed her path. As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Barbara embodied this sentiment, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to be felt deeply by her family, friends, and community. Barbara Elyse Roush's journey on earth may have come to a close, but her spirit, teachings, and the memories shared will forever remain. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and kindness in creating a life rich with meaning and connection. She will be profoundly missed and eternally cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, Love. But the greatest of these is LOVE. Barbara Roush has been in the care of Roberts of Ocala Funerals & Cremations, Downtown Chapel, Ocala, FL. Calvin Funeral Home will coordinate the services in the services in Hartford, MI

Barbara Elyse Roush

December 13, 1955 - May 1, 2025