Barbara Ulrey

KEWADIN -- Barbara Ulrey age 88, lost her final battle with Amyloidosis on September 22, 2012. Barb fought a difficult fight against this dreadful disease and never gave up hope nor lost her spirit. She died at home with her daughter holding her hand almost 4 years to the hour after losing her husband Ernest Ulrey (9/22/08). Barbara was born August 7, 1924 to Lawrence and Louise Johnson (Blanke) in Monroe Michigan. She was a supervisor at Michigan Bell, a job she truly loved, when she married the love of her life, Ernest Ulrey on Sept 3, 1949. Ernie and Barb moved to Ann Arbor to begin their life together and raise their 4 children. Barb was a devoted mother and wife who along with the daily challenge of raising 4 children found the time and energy to be a Girl Scout leader and a Cub Scout pack leader. Barb always put her family first with much self sacrifice so that her family and husband could have every dream and wish realized. Barb and Ernie were very goal minded and achieved all goals they set. They loved Northern Michigan and had family vacations here on Lake Skegemog before purchasing their first lot on Torch Lake and building one of the first A-frame cottages in the 1960's. They later built their dream home and retired to Torch Lake in 1976 where they enjoyed many retirement years with neighbors, friends and family. Barb finally had the time to devote herself to volunteering with the VA and Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire, which she found very rewarding and satisfying. Barbara is survived by son Gordon Ulrey (Marie) of Georgia, daughter Pam Ulrey of Kewadin, daughter Nancy Hahnenberg (Tom) of Traverse City, daughter-in-law Susan Ulrey of Ann Arbor. Grandchildren Jennifer Law (Richard)of Lafayette Indiana, Scott Ulrey of Ann Arbor, Frank Hahnenberg and Tim Hahnenberg (Jennifer) of Traverse City, Great Grandchildren Abbigail Hahnenberg and Kirielle Law and her sister Evelyn. Barb is also survived by two beloved dogs, Quincy and Bailey, who gave her companionship and comfort. Barb was predeceased by her husband of almost 60 years, Ernest Ulrey, and her dear son, Kenneth Ulrey, as well as her brothers Fred and Bill and sister Reland. Barb lost her father when she was 11 and her mother when she was in her early 20's. Memorial services will be private, per Barbara's wishes, at Torch Lake Lakeview Cemetery next to her husband and her son. The Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes is serving the family. Please sign Barb's guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com