Barbara Mae Noye, 90, died peacefully on March 5, 2024 with family by her side at Chelsea Retirement Community.
Barb was born July 5, 1933 to Alfred Allen and Edna Irene (Cutler) Fulkerson in Sparta, Michigan. After her marriage to Frank Noye on July 14, 1951, they lived in Georgia while he served in the Army. Following his discharge, they made their home in Ann Arbor then Saline. Barbara most recently lived in Chelsea, a resident at Chelsea Retirement Community, Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Determination, perseverance, and strength became early evident qualities of Barb’s life when she contracted polio at a young age and spent part of her childhood in an iron lung, living in a children’s care home run by Mary Free Bed for her lengthy recovery. A diagnosis of “might not ever walk” did not hold her back, and she learned to walk despite having casts and braces. Barb faced several challenges throughout her life and met each with that same determination she had in her early years.
Barbara drove a school bus for many years for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She also prepared taxes for people out of her home. Her attention to detail and her understanding of the tax codes produced many repeat clients. Gardening, doing crafts, reading, researching genealogy, and being an honorary member and treasurer of Frank’s model airplane club brought Barb enjoyment.
Of greatest joy, though, was her family. Barbara is survived by her children, Glenna Fritts, and Don (Debbie) Noye, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Merlin (Mary) Fulkerson, many nieces and nephews, and special friend, Tina Bardell. Barb was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Frank, infant son, Frankie Jr., daughter, JoAnne Irene Brown, son-in-law, Barry Fritts, brother, Hugh (Shirley) Fulkerson, and sister, Rose (Lloyd) Leece.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N Main St., Chelsea, MI with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am until time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
