Barbara “Barb” J. Ellenberger,

Barbara “Barb” J. Ellenberger, 72, of Onaway, died at Charlevoix Area Hospital Monday, March 11, 2024. The daughter of Frank and Josephine (Solf) Reinke, Barb was born in Rogers City January 2, 1952. 

On August 11, 1979, Barb and Thomas J. Ellenberger were united in marriage at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City and made their home in Onaway. To their union they were blessed with their son, Andrew, and eventually three grandchildren. Barb was a loving wife, a supportive and nurturing mother, and wonderful grandma who adored her grandchildren. With her heart full of love for each of them, she could not have been prouder of her family.

As a young girl, Barb attended St. Ignatius Catholic School before graduating from Rogers City High School in 1970. Barb furthered her education at Aquinas College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and later went on to receive her master’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Barb taught in Sturgis, Onaway, Rogers City St. Ignatius, and eventually retired from Rogers City Area Schools with a teaching career that spanned 39 years.

Devoted to her Catholic faith, Barb was a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society, a faith formation teacher, a leader in the Prayer for Priests group, a reader for weekday Mass, as well as a volunteer for many church functions and activities. She was involved and quite instrumental with bringing the Dominican Sisters to St. Paul for youth faith formation each summer. She prayed the rosary faithfully, attended daily Mass, and put her trust in the Lord. Barb enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with her family and friends.

In her own words, what Barb valued most in life was her faith, family, and friends. She believed in being kind, humble, honest and generous. She found great strength in her spirituality leaving her worries with God through prayer and hope. Throughout her 72 years, Barb touched many lives. Family, friends, neighbors, students, church family, any who crossed paths with Barb are better for having known her.

Deeply saddened

, Barb leaves her husband of 44 years, Tom Ellenberger of Onaway; a son, Andy Ellenberger (Holly Cronkright) of Gaylord; as well as her grandchildren, Evelyn Grace, Frank and Charlie. Barb also leaves her sister, Sue (Dave) Knoke of Iron Mountain; brothers, Dick (Diane) Reinke of Petoskey and Bob (Jean) Reinke of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; in-laws, Ray (Dianne) Ellenberger and Bob (Norma) Ellenberger, both of Onaway; and her nieces and nephews.

Barb’s family received friends at Chagnon Funeral Home Friday, March 15, until the vigil and rosary service. 

A funeral Mass followed at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway Saturday, March 16, with urn burial at St. Paul Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Barb to St. Paul Catholic Church or to the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist.