Barbara J. Peterson

Barbara Jane (Arnouts) Peterson, age 69, of Ravenna, passed away at home under hospice care, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, June12 2024. She was born on May 24, 1955, in Muskegon, Michigan, daughter of Herman Lloyd and Lois Mae (Olthoff) Arnouts, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Orchard View High School in Muskegon and continued her education by completing coursework at Baker College. Barb drove school buses for Ravenna Community Schools for several years and then became employed by the City of Grand Rapids driving a transit system bus for many years prior to her retirement about 5 years ago. She loved to go hunting in the fall and she enjoyed gardening and working in the yard during the spring, summer and fall and looked forward to a round of golf with her friends whenever it could be arranged. She took occasional trips to the casino with friends and in years gone by, faithfully attended the monthly ladies club group that she belonged to. Of all her pastimes and interests, her favorite thing was spending time with and spoiling the grandchildren.

Barb leaves to cherish her memory her dear children, Matthew (Leslie) Peterson of St. Clair, Michigan and Renee (Shannon) Carten of Twin Lake, Michigan; grandchildren Case Peterson and Carter Peterson of St. Clair and Mason Carten of Twin Lake; a brother, James (Debby) Arnouts of Mears, Michigan and a sister-in-law, Carole Arnouts of Norton Shores, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and many great friends, including special friend, Candy Busman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kailee Peterson, and brothers, Lloyd R. “Buck” Arnouts and John T. Arnouts. 

Services will take place at Grace Assembly of God Church, 2956 E. Pontaluna Road, Fruitport, Michigan 49415, on Thursday June 27, 2024, with Visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m. and Service to begin at 5:00 p.m., with Pastor Casey Arnouts officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are welcome to consider a contribution in Barb’s memory to Grace Assembly of God. Envelopes will be available at the service or by contacting the funeral home at (616) 794-1300 or www.verdunfh.com.