Barbara Fletcher

Barbara Ann Rutkowski was born in Detroit on April 8, 1945, to the late Walter and Mabel (Witkowski) Rutkowski. After her parents passed, Barbara was raised in Centerline, Michigan by her sister Celia and husband Ralph Michalski. She graduated with honors from Centerline High School, attended the University of Michigan, and earned her teaching degree from Central Michigan University.

On July 16, 1966, she married John T. Fletcher in Centerline, Michigan. She and John lived in Alpena for many years. They also resided in the Florida Keys and spent time sailing their boat throughout Europe before settling in Naples, Florida. Barb returned to Michigan in 2020 to be closer to family.

Barb enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. She also devoted much of her time to various causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Red Hats, and the Naples Philharmonic. She taught Bible classes, volunteered with the Guadalupe Center in Naples, several food pantries, and many women’s organizations. She proudly honored her Polish heritage, speaking Polish–along with some German, Spanish, Italian and Latin. “Aunt Boo” loved children, dogs and having ‘some fun’ with family and friends.

Surviving are niece, Leslie Roose; great nephew, James Roose; great niece, Joslynn Roose; the Fletcher family including nephew Spence Fletcher, and nieces Jennifer (Art) Merriman, Amy (Charles) Swift, Anne (Trent) Sherman, Jessie (Kelly) McAlpine and Dana (Paul) Entler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Ida C. and Ralph Michalski; and former husband, John Fletcher.

Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place in Alpena at a later date.

Inurnment: Pine Grove Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the Huron Humane Society, or the Guadalupe Center, Naples, FL. Special thanks to the staff at Besser Senior Living Community and Hospice of Michigan for the care given to Aunt Barb.