Barbara Ann Striker

Barbara Ann (Corey) Striker, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She is survived by her four sons, Sam (Kintla), Richard, Val, and John; five grandchildren, Sam, Becky, Nick, Casey, and Grace; seven great-grandchildren; Kayla, Leah, Jack, Max, Dev, Elsie, and Evelyn; and her sister, Joan (Gerry) Moore. Barbara leaves a tremendous legacy of family and love in the wake of her passing.

Barbara was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Mike and Selma Corey. She had many adventures throughout her long life. After graduating in two and a half years from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, she met and traveled the country with her first husband, Robert Striker, working as a carnival worker and often boasted, "We won and lost several fortunes along the way!". Before Robert’s untimely passing, she gave birth to two sons, Sam and Richard, and went on to graduate from Grand Valley State University, aspiring to one day become a lawyer.

She met and married Valentin Placencia and had two more sons, Val and John. Barbara exchanged the transitory adventure of travel for the one of family. She dedicated the rest of her youth raising her four sons. Their education and future potential became her obsession, pride and joy.

Barbara took special joy in mentoring and providing advice and guidance to the family. She was most content when surrounded by family. Fond memories of Sunday gatherings, board and card games, and spirited arguments were her validations for a life lived well.

Barbara is preceded in death by husbands, Robert Striker and Valentin Placencia; parents, Mike and Selma Corey; sisters, Hannah, Merriam and Hellen; and brothers, James and John.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf (MKD) Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m.-noon, immediately followed by an informal sharing of memories from noon-1 p.m. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m. All events will be at the MKD Kentwood location.