Obituary of Barbara Ann (Rechel) Rollins
Barbara Ann Rechel was born in Monroe, Michigan on January 16, 1937, to Clyde and Cecilia (Geiermann) Rechel. One of five children, she graduated in 1955 from Monroe High School.
Barbara wed Charles Edgar Rollins of Hazard, Kentucky. The extended Rollins family was very dear to Barb and she enjoyed traveling through the scenic beauty of the state to visit them. For many years she worked as a proof supervisor at various banks including Monroe State Savings Bank, Monroe Bank and Trust, and finally at First National Bank of Monroe before her retirement. Not one to stay idle, Barb began working in the cash office at the Target store in Monroe upon its grand opening. She remained employed there until the store closed in 2015.
A car enthusiast, Barbara was the proud owner of several Chevrolet Corvettes. All of them painted her favorite color, red. Her love affair with the vehicle began with a 1956 model and continued throughout the years to include a 63’, 69’, and a 73’. Barb enjoyed attended car shows, especially the Bloomington Gold Corvettes show in Bloomington, Illinois, the longest running Corvette show in the nation. She was also an avid NASCAR fan. Barb never missed a race on television and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to watch many races from the grandstands to cheer on her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Her home was filled with NASCAR and Jeff Gordon memorabilia. Always willing to talks cars and politics to anyone that listened, she enjoyed sharing a meal and conversation with family and friends at her favorite restaurants: Pipers, IHOP, and Michigan Bar and Grill. Strong willed and independent, Barbara was well-known for her feisty spirt.
Barbara Ann Rollins, age 86, of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday; August 2, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her sister: Susan Waters; and her former spouse: Charles Rollins.
To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter: Dawn (Dave) Orosz of Monroe; her grandchildren; her brother: Nathan (Pat) Rechel of Point Place, Toledo, Ohio; two sisters: Joan McNamara of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Rosalind Rechel of Monroe; many nieces and nephews; and her feline friend companion: Ally, whom she’d had since 2016. An animal lover, Barb gave many stray cats a loving home.
Private interment will take place at the Butterfly Garden at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan. Barbara’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Barbara’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Anthony B. Songco and Dr. Aamer H. Bhurgri for their compassionate care.
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