Barbara A. Reynolds

Barbara A. Reynolds Former Port Huron, Michigan resident Barbara Ann (Leslie) Reynolds, 78, died peacefully on December 11, 2013, at home in Sebring, Florida, after winning a long battle with cancer. When diagnosed with cancer, Barbara told her doctors, "Do not put a time line on my life; you may know cancer, but you don't know me." Barbara inspired others with her determination and hope - she always looked challenges and presumed impossibilities straight in the eye, winked and flashed her beautiful smile. Barbara faced her cancer journey head-on, never faltering in grace, courage, strength, dignity and compassion for others. And, she won six more wonderful years of life. She laughed, traveled, never complained, and enjoyed every opportunity to make more memories with treasured family and friends. Barbara was admired as a straightforward woman of highest integrity and impeccable honesty, always telling herself the truth and always telling the truth to others. Barbara's love of family and terrific sense of humor was shining brightly through her final hours. Barbara was born February 2, 1935, in Port Huron, Michigan, to Ray and Julia (Laming) Leslie. She graduated from Port Huron High School in 1952. Barbara is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 60 beautiful years, Donald C. Reynolds. The secret to a long, happy and loving marriage was really no secret at all. "Choose the right one, spend time doing things together whenever possible, and marry, but never stop dating each other." Their favorite song was Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance?" Don shares, "I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you; but instead, I am deeply honored knowing that you spent the rest of your life with me. Rest in peace, my forever love, until we are together again to resume our eternal dance." Barbara was an accomplished athlete who delighted in challenging herself to always do better. For decades, her family room was decorated with too-many-to-count bowling and archery trophies - a testament to her athletic skill. A longtime member of the Women's International Bowling Congress, Barbara enjoyed a longstanding position in the "600 Club" and bowled in tournaments all over the USA. A petite and fit woman, she rolled a 16-pound bowling ball with gusto, determination and passion. Most of all, she loved that bowling brought her together with lifelong friends who shared team wins, laughter, and many wonderful memories. Barbara was also a skilled archer. She shot archery for over 30 years, participating in competitive tournaments across the United States and Canada. Barbara scored her greatest archery achievement when she placed third in the Professional-Amateur Archery International Women's Division in Las Vegas 35 years ago. Barbara also enjoyed golf and loved baseball; she played softball in High School, never missed a chance to watch her son or grandsons play baseball, and was a loyal Detroit Tigers fan. Barbara retired in 1990 from Mary Maxim, Port Huron, Michigan - the largest mail order merchandiser of exclusive needlework and craft kits in North America - where she was in charge of pulling orders to be shipped worldwide. Family was the center of Barbara's life. She is also survived by three daughters, Cathy (Gary) Welsh, Michigan; Denise (Joseph) Marenich, North Carolina; Dianne Foster, Georgia; son, Don (Tammy) Reynolds, South Carolina; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harvey "Bud" (Janet) Leslie, Michigan and Vic Leslie, Arizona; and many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley McAllister; and, brothers Raymond, Floyd and Don "Buddy" Leslie. The wonderful team at Good Shepherd Hospice provided outstanding support in Barbara's last 5 months that honored her wishes to pass away peacefully at home with her loving hands held by her husband and daughter, Dianne. With gratitude, the family wishes that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made in memory of Barbara A. Reynolds to Good Shepherd Hospice, Highlands County, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33870. Cremation has been cared for by Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory, Avon Park, Florida. There will be no visitation, memorial or funeral services at this time.