Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Memorial Keepers(2)
They manage this memorial. Contact or join
Barbara Jean Struble
April 22nd, 1943 - September 30th, 2020
April 22nd, 1943 - September 30th, 2020
Barbara passed away peacefully at her home in Dothan, Alabama on September 30, 2020.
Born in Eagle, Michigan, Barbara graduated from St Patrick’s High School in Portland, MI in 1961. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix.
She started her career working for the State of Michigan at the Health Lab doing cancer research and later found her passion in adult education when she worked with inmates in the State of Arizona. She moved to Alaska where she continued her work in adult education working for tribal organizations. She developed an affinity for the Alaska Native cultures. In addition to being an educator, she was a lifelong student.
When she retired, Barbara chose to settle in Dothan, Alabama. In Dothan, she found a lovely community and impacted many lives. She grew a large and plentiful vegetable garden. She shared gifts of fresh and canned vegetables as well as hand dried seeds with friends and neighbors. She was known for her lovely yard and grew a variety of trees, bushes, flowers. Most recently she was excited about the fruits of a fig tree she had planted.
She was a fierce Christian, finding strength and determination in her Lord. Barbara spent many hours studying the Bible and in prayer.
It was well known that Barbara was very active politically and held strong opinions. When she was younger, she loved Elvis. She also enjoyed gospel and country music and loved cowboy hats and boots.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Struble, her parents Bret and Magdalene Strong, her in-laws Lester and Lucy Struble and her Sister Judith Pung.
She is survived by her three children; Theresa Geratz of Bodenheim, Germany, Raymond Struble (Gina) of Anchorage, Alaska, Daniel Struble (Cheri) of Portland, Michigan; eight grandchildren Matthias Geratz, Julian Geratz, Rebecca Struble, Nicholas Struble, Maia Struble, Aaron Struble, Danielle Struble, Jami Struble and two great grandchildren Linken Struble and Ember Struble; siblings Steve Strong of Ohio, Gloria Hensley of Michigan, Donna (Gary) Paquin of Dorr, Agnes Krancich of Michigan, Nancy Strong (Tom Vemich) of Costa Rica, Jim Strong of Michigan and Mary (Jim) Lyon of Michigan.
Events
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Barbara
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Barbara’s life with a heartfelt message.
Gina Struble
My heart is heavy today as we celebrate Mother’s Day. This is the first one without you… You are missed and loved.
Gloria (Barb's Sister)
My sister, my friend and companion, and my prayer partner. I have missed her every day. Barbara was always joyful and had a voracious love of life with the Lord, always putting Him in the center of all things. A farm girl who loved the land and felt as much at home on a tractor, as she did on her feet. Time spent with her, while together in Arizona, or Michigan, or visiting in Dothan, or on Skype, was always eventfully joyous. She brought out the best in people. She will stay in our hearts, and be cherished and remembered in love always.
January Grizzell
I just found out. She will remain forever in my heart and thoughts. I love you dear friend. We'll ride our horses on our dream ranch in heaven. God bless all who knew her, loved her, and was blessed by her friendship.
Gina Struble
Happy Thanksgiving! You are in our hearts and thoughts today. Ray and I got to Zoom with Theresa, Karl, Dan and Gloria today. I know you would have enjoyed that. We are missing you ❤️
Cathy Lemay
David & I smile as we speak of the first time we met Barbara at the joyful celebration of the the marriage of Ray and Gina. No one was more joyful than Barbara! She glowed with happiness at the blessed union of these two lives and the addition of a new grandchild to her family. At first sight, we were intrigued by her strong sense of personal style in that beautiful red cowboy hat and matching boots. As I grew to know Barbara, she was as unique, strong, and delightful as she appeared in that striking outfit! My heart was deeply touched by the level of her affection for Ray, Gina, and Maia. Her love for her family was second only to her love of God. She walked boldly in her faith in the Lord. How joyful she must be now to walk with Him for eternity!
Gina Struble
From Barbara's neighbors in Dothan: It was a blessing to know your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you today. She is missed daily! She was special to us and we were blessed to have her in our lives. She was a precious neighbor, one of approximately 225 mobile homes, she lived right at the mailboxes and spent so much time in her yard gardening. While she was planting seeds and tending to the beautiful flowers, herbs, and more....she was planting seeds of love, encouragement, blessings, and said a many Maranatha's to so many people being right there at the mailboxes where everyone stopped almost daily. She had her own ministry right there. Many are still coming and saying how she gave of her time sharing words of wisdom, flower seeds, and encouraged them. Many are sharing how much it meant to them that she cared while she shared and how they will miss her.
Copyright © 2026 Keeper Memorials, All rights reserved.