Barbara Jean (Strong) Struble

Barbara Jean (Strong) Struble passed away peacefully at her home in Dothan, Alabama on September 30, 2020.

Born in Eagle, Michigan, Barbara graduated from St Patrick’s High School in Portland, MI in 1961. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix.

She started her career working for the State of Michigan at the Health Lab doing cancer research and later found her passion in adult education when she worked with inmates in the State of Arizona. She moved to Alaska where she continued her work in adult education working for tribal organizations. She developed an affinity for the Alaska Native cultures. In addition to being an educator, she was a lifelong student.

When she retired, Barbara chose to settle in Dothan, Alabama. In Dothan, she found a lovely community and impacted many lives. She grew a large and plentiful vegetable garden. She shared gifts of fresh and canned vegetables as well as hand dried seeds with friends and neighbors. She was known for her lovely yard and grew a variety of trees, bushes, flowers. Most recently she was excited about the fruits of a fig tree she had planted.

She was a fierce Christian, finding strength and determination in her Lord. Barbara spent many hours studying the Bible and in prayer.

It was well known that Barbara was very active politically and held strong opinions. When she was younger, she loved Elvis. She also enjoyed gospel and country music and loved cowboy hats and boots.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Struble, her parents Bret and Magdalene Strong, her in-laws Lester and Lucy Struble and her Sister Judith Pung.

She is survived by her three children; Theresa Geratz of Bodenheim, Germany, Raymond Struble (Gina) of Anchorage, Alaska, Daniel Struble (Cheri) of Portland; eight grandchildren Matthias Geratz, Julian Geratz, Rebecca Struble, Nicholas Struble, Maia Struble, Aaron Struble, Danielle Struble, Jami Struble and two great grandchildren Linken Struble and Ember Struble; siblings Steve Strong of Ohio, Gloria Hensley of Portland, Donna (Gary) Paquin of Dorr, Agnes Krancich of Portland, Nancy Strong (Tom Vemich) of Costa Rica, Jim Strong of Lansing and Mary (Jim) Lyon of Eagle.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604