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Barbara Elaine Hoekwater, age 92 of Cadillac, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Whispering Pines Senior Living of Lake City. Barb was born on July 13, 1932 in Richland Township to Leonard and Gertrude (VanderVlught) Swartwood. She married John “Bob” Hoekwater on August 4, 1951 at the Rehoboth Reformed Church.

Barb worked 38 years in sales at VanDrie Furniture Store, collected taxes for Lake Township, and volunteered at Friends Ministry. She was a member of Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas and was involved in many church affiliations such as being the organist for many years and being involved in Lady’s Circle. She was very active; she loved playing piano and giving piano lessons. Spending time with family and friends was important to her, those times were spent traveling and camping. Barb always kept in close contact with cousins and friends.

Barb is survived by her children Steve (Karen) Hoekwater of Cadillac, Sue (Thom) Cafferty of Sylvania, OH grandchildren Karly Hoekwater, Zachery Hoekwater, Kelsy (Arash) Nowbahar, Joe (Melissa) Cafferty, Mitch (Kathryn) Cafferty, great-grandchildren; Nori Nowbahar, Liam Cafferty, Teagan Cafferty, and Henrik Cafferty, sister Mary Jane VanHaitsma of Falmouth, family by love; Mary LaChonce, Scott (Nicci) LaChonce and their children Oaklynn and Breslynn LaChonce, Mark (Jen) LaChonce and their children Elias, Samuel and Zachariah LaChonce, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband John Hoekwater, brother in-law Rod VanHaitsma, niece’s Jan VanHaitsma, and Faye Walker, and Dan LaChonce.

A funeral service for Barb will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 10 at the Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas with Pastor Kathy Vana officiating. Visitation will be held on the same day from noon until the time of service at the church. A light serving of Barb’s favorite snack’s will be provided after the service. Burial will take place in the Richland Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Friends Ministry. The family is being served by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain, thoughts and prayers can be expressed by visiting the online obituary -burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com