Obituary of Barbara Jean Hehl

Barbara Jean Ellison was born in Monroe, Michigan on February 10, 1941.  She was the daughter of the late Pete Ellison and Emma Jean (Harris) Ellison.  Raised in a Christian home, she was saved at youth camp in 1956, and baptized July 29, 1956.  She attended Monroe High School and graduated with the Class of 1959. 

Barbara married Charles Oscar Hehl on October 28, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. The couple moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1961 where they made their home until 1973 when they moved back to Monroe.  Barbara was a homemaker and passionately cared for the needs of her husband and five children.  A superb cook, she cheerfully prepared dinner each night so that her loved ones could eat together.

In addition to caring for the needs of her family, Barbara served her community in several capacities.  For many years she babysat neighborhood children.  She was a beloved volunteer at Mercy Memorial Hospital for more than twenty-five years.  She also assisted with Meals on Wheels as well. 

Barbara was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe.  She was a member of the Ladies Society, ladies Bible study, and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and she enjoyed attending local and national conventions.  She visited and sent cards to church shut-ins for many years.

A member of the Red Hat Society, Barbara enjoyed playing Bridge, traveling, square dancing, visiting casinos, and her love for shopping was epic.  She was proud to be a member of Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS).

Barbara J. Hehl, age 83 of Monroe passed away peacefully on Friday morning; October 18, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Monroe.  The family is extremely grateful for the exceptional care that she received through Brookdale for the past two years and to Beacon Hospice during her final illness.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her beloved husband: Charles on November 11, 2016; and two sons: Paul Hehl on March 9, 2002, and Michael Hehl on May 27, 2020.

To cherish her memory, Barbara leaves three children: Paula (Wayne) Freant of St. Peters, Missouri, Michelle (Kenny) Stephens of Jacksonville Florida, and Timothy Hehl (Colleen Hunt) of Monroe; two daughters-in-law: Connie Hehl of Baltimore, Maryland and Kay Hehl of Ida; grandchildren: Jessica Pawlyk, Jeremy and Kenneth Hehl, Joshua and Jacob Dunn, Kenneth Stephens, Jr., Spencer and Jared Hehl, Cody and Brayden Freant; three great grandchildren: Ava Pawlyk, Olive Dunn, and Rhett Hehl; brother: David Chesney; nephew: Kenny Chesney; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday; October 23, 2024, at     Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  She will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Thursday; October 24, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church; 630 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162.  A Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at 11:00am at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Witte officiating.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

For those desiring, memorials contributions are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church or Wellspring Lutheran Services.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.