Barbara Jean Staley was born on Nov. 28, 1960, in Rock Springs. She was one of eight children born to the union of Darrell and Lola (Clark) Staley. Barbara attended Evanston High School and spent the first 39 years of her life surrounded by her large family in Wyoming.
On July 12, 1997, in Evanston, Barbara married the love of her life, Norman Anderson. The couple relocated to Michigan in 1999. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Emily, Melissa and Tyson.
Having been born and raised in Wyoming, Barbara loved to be outdoors, feeling the fresh air on her face, working in her garden and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed spending quality time and relaxing with her husband, although on occasion the pair would play Phase 10, or Spite & Malice card games or try their luck at the game Sorry. Barb also spent some of her free time doing various crafts and completing home improvement projects.
Although she was always busy doing one thing or another, anyone who truly knew Barbara understood how much she enjoyed helping others. Whether it was driving others around on errands, helping them accomplish tasks or just lending a caring ear, Barbara was always there. She was a true friend to all she encountered, and her empathy was her superpower that allowed her to deeply impact people around her.
She also cherished all the many hours talking on the phone with her sisters from Wyoming. Above all, what really made Barbara shine was spending time with her family and her grandchildren, who meant the world to her.
Barbara Jean Anderson, age 62, of Newport, Michigan, passed away, at home, unexpectedly from a sudden heart attack on Friday, Aug. 25. In accordance with her wishes, she provided life to others with tissue and organ donation through Gift of Life Michigan.
Her passing was preceded by her parents, Darrell and Lola; two of her brothers, Darrell and Lee Staley; and one of her sisters, Tracey Staley.
To cherish Barbara’s memory, she leaves a loving husband of 26 years, Norman Anderson; three daughters, Emily Marshall (Aaron Shanteau) of Monroe, Melissa (David) Whitman of Peoria, Illinois, and Tyson Anderson of Peoria, Illinois; four sisters, Linda (Phil) Willoughby, LaWanna Staley and Karen Goetz — all of Evanston; and Terrie (Jeff) Hockin of Casper; one brother, Darrin (Tammy) Staley of Evanston; and five grandchildren, Madelyn Whitman, Sabin Whitman, Brayden Shanteau, Kacen Davis and Charlie Anderson.
A memorial service will be held in Evanston at a later date.
