Barbara Fox

There are some who leave their mark in the world through great accomplishments or the accumulation of possessions or wealth. These pursuits were not of great importance to Barbara Fox, rather she spent her days touching the hearts and lives of others with her tender spirit and according to those standards, Barb had wealth beyond measure. She treasured an abiding faith that not only sustained her through trying times, but also provided her with an unwavering hope in knowing that all things work together for good. Barb was blessed to write an eloquent love story with her true companion with whom she shared more than 50 years. She leaves behind lessons in faith, perseverance, and grace that will surely withstand the test of time.

The thirties were a trying time in America as the Great Depression had been gripping nearly every American family for nearly 10 years. There were, however, bright glimmers of joy to be found as well. It was during the year 1938 that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hit the silver screen, the Fair Labor Standards Act established a minimum wage, and new developments such as the ballpoint pen and Teflon brought hope for things to come. This was a year of great celebration in the home of Frank and Ozella (Stevens) Capon as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Barbara, on August 27th. Barbara was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised as the only child in her family until her brother was born when she was 15 years old. As she was growing up, Barb shared a special relationship with her father. They enjoyed spending time together, often going hunting and training hunting dogs. Barb attended local schools including Cass Tech High School where she focused on accounting. As a high school student Barb also co-opped at Michigan Bell Telephone Company.

With her formal education behind her, Barb was ready to embark on the next phase of her life. She was introduced to a charming young man who soon captured her heart. His name was Clarence “Pete” Fox, and they were introduced through a mutual friend. After dating for about six months, Pete asked Barb to marry him. They married a short time later on September 15, 1956 in Detroit. Pete worked as an elevator inspector in order to support his family which soon grew to include their precious children. They initially raised their family in Taylor, just to the southwest of Detroit. Barb stayed home to care for their children and tend to the household needs. When Pete found employment with the State of Michigan, they moved to Rainbow Lake, located to the northwest of St. Johns in Gratiot County.

Caring for her family was always her main focus, but Barb worked a bit as well. She sold Avon products in her area, and she later worked at Dewey’s Trading Post in Maple Rapids for a number of years. As her children grew a bit older, Barb took a position as a tax collector in the Department of Treasury for the State of Michigan until she retired.

There were a variety of additional interests that Barb pursued through the years. She possessed a vibrant faith that was such a cornerstone in her life. Barb was a member of First Church of God in St. Johns. Her faith gave her the strength to get through any trial. She additionally found such hope that all things work together for good, even when we can’t see His plan. Barb loved music and often shared her musical talents with others as well. She played both the piano and the organ at the Congregational Christian Church in Maple Rapids and then at the First Church of God in St. Johns. Barb also enjoyed knitting and was accomplished at creating things such as afghans and sweaters among many others. She loved losing herself between the pages of a book just as often as she could. Additionally, Barb was a devotee of QVC, the well-known home shopping network.

Family was always of the utmost importance to Barb. She cherished her grandchildren, and she later had a special place in her heart for her great-granddaughter Jaiden. In the early seventies Pete talked Barb into taking a vacation to Hawaii. While there, they fell in love with the islands and made plans to spend winters there after they retired. Their dream came to fruition during their retirement years as they spent a couple of months each winter together in their condo on the glorious island of Kauai and their summers at Rainbow Lake. Barb’s daughters will forever treasure the precious times they shared during their “ladies weekends.”

With her kind and tender heart, Barbara Fox had such a special something about her that brought true joy to those around her. She was a woman of faith who considered it a privilege to care for her beloved family. Although Barb enjoyed the majestic splendor in Hawaii each winter for several years, her happiest times were spent surrounded by those she treasured most. As her family and friends now say goodbye, they will hold fast to the dear moments they were given to share with such an extraordinary woman. Barb will be deeply missed.

Barbara M. Fox died January 4, 2010. Barb’s family includes her husband Clarence “Pete” Fox, children, Pamela (Gary) Flones of Indian River, Peggy (Peter) Carter of Grand Rapids, Brad (Cathy) Fox of Dearborn; grandchildren, Cindy Flones, Cheri (Kevin) McSherry, Scott Flones, Arielle Carter, Garrett Carter, Brandy (Tom) Tudor and Bradly (Kim) Fox; great-granddaughter, Jaiden Tudor; and brother, Frank (Janet) Capon of Brooklyn. Barb was preceded in death by her parents and son, Jonathon Fox.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2010, at First Church of God in St. Johns, with Pastor Paul Daniels and Pastor Perry Purcell officiating, burial following at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or photo, sign her memory book, or make a memorial contribution to First Church of God.