Carole Jean Barks

December 10, 1937 – June 9, 2022

Carole Jean Barks, age 84 of Lansing Mi, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, St. Lawrence Campus. 

She was born on December 10, 1937, to Nolan and Frances Barks. After graduating from Marcellus High School, Carole moved to Grand Rapids where she bought her first home. Over the years, all of her sisters and several nieces lived at the house on Coit Avenue. Carole did not have children of her own but was very actively involved in her younger relatives’ lives.  

She attended both Grand Rapids Junior College and Grand Valley State University where she received a BS degree in Psychology.  While attending, Carol also worked full time at Meijer Corporation. She was proud of her association with Meijer and whenever she traveled the roads, she always pointed out any Meijer trucks and commented that seeing a Meijer truck meant it would be a lucky day. She eventually moved from Grand Rapids to Lansing where she worked at the Meijer warehouse. While working there she also purchased and managed a home for disabled adults for several years. Carole retired from Meijer Corporation after thirty years.

Along with her parents, Carole is preceded in death by her significant other, Jerry Krauss, as well as sister, Patricia Timm and brother Robert Barks, nephews Gary Barks and David Timm.  She is survived by sisters Shirley Bullis, Kathryn Pursel, and brother Richard Barks.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews,  cousins and her Aunt Dorthy who recently turned one hundred years old.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for July 30, 2022, 11:00am at Corey Church of the Nazarene,  Jones, MI, with Pastor Gary Carr officiating. Carole will be interred with her longtime partner Jerry Krauss and near her parents in Poe Cemetery, Jones, MI.  Please direct all memorial donations to Corey Church of the Nazarene.