Barbara Pleyte

Barbara Ellen Pleyte (Astle) was born in Plainwell, MI on October 17, 1937, where she grew up and made life long friends. She married Gary Pleyte in 1957 and together they raised three sons in Williamston, MI. Time and space will be saved if we simply mention they have lived in a LOT of different homes both in Michigan and Florida!

Barb had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the early 1970's she opened a Hallmark card gift shop in downtown Williamston. Years later she was a partner in two antique businesses- The Old Plank Road and Gray Goose Antiques. Buying and selling antiques was a true passion, and hunting for treasures was an absolute joy for Barb. Along with these pursuits, she attended Lansing Community College and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse designation. She worked as a nurse for Ingham County for many years.

Barb loved her family, and loved spending time with them. It "warmed her heart" (a favorite Barb phrase) to watch her kids in sporting events and other endeavors. Reading to her kids, and later to her grandkids and great grandkids, was a particular pleasure. She also loved to play cards, especially bridge and cribbage. Barb and Gary played for the cribbage "house championship" for many years. It was a fun rivalry, and the "championship" changed hands many times. 

She is survived by her husband Gary, sister Betty McLaughlin, sister-in-law Judy Astle, sons Steve (Karen), Brian (Mary), Jon (Sheri), grand-children-Janna (Dan), Gary (Fran), Jason, Jamie, Jeff (Nicole), Josh (Briana), Max (Rachel), Jack, and Ike and great grandchildren Jackson, Scarlet, Mason, Dean, Stella, Mabel, Henry, Gretchen, Easton, Landon, Maddie, Christian, Collin, Riggs, Jagger, and Bronx. 

Barb was preceded in death by her father and mother, William and Yvonne Astle, parents-in-law Gerard and Laura Pleyte, sister and brother-in-law Bev and Bill Madden, brother Bill Astle, brother-in-law George McLaughlin and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Barb Pleyte.

There will be a private service for immediate family in the near future. 

Please take time to sign Barbara's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family at www.amsfuneralhomes.com

The Pleyte family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.