Barbara Jean Gaab

Barbara Jean Gaab, age 85, a longtime resident of Plymouth, passed away on May 21, 2024. She was born on May 2, 1939 in Hurley, Wisconsin; daughter of Gordon and Yolanda (Caruso) Rasmussen. She was united in marriage to Rollin F. Gaab on November 26, 1960; spending over 44 years devoted in their love until his death in 2005.

Raised in Ironwood, Michigan, Barbara graduated from Luther L. Wright High School, class of 1957. After graduation, she began working at Michigan Bell as a switchboard operator. Through mutual friends, she met her future husband, Rollin. After marriage, she devoted her time to being a wife and mother, maintaining an exceptionally organized and clean home. When her children started school, she returned to the workforce as a bookkeeper for Mutual of Detroit Insurance Agency, where she worked until her retirement in 1995.

Barbara Jean was a dedicated life member of the Plymouth Elks. She loved gardening, decorating her home beautifully, and was an avid reader. An exceptional cook, Barbara Jean especially excelled in Italian cuisine. Her cheese ravioli and polenta were family favorites. She enjoyed bowling in a league with her husband as her partner for many years. Barbara also enjoyed watching hockey, primarily because Rollin was an enthusiastic player who loved the game. She adored animals, particularly dogs, throughout her life. Barbara volunteered countless hours at St. Mary’s Hospital, the Plymouth Library, and the Hanover-Horton Historical Society. She was a loving, loyal, and devoted wife, mother, cousin, and friend.

Barbara Jean is survived by her loving children, Michael (Monica Siembor) Gaab and Jodi (Rodney) Johnson; and her grandchildren, Miranda “Lizzie” Johnson and Rachael “Baby Rach” Johnson. She is also loved by many cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon with a Memorial Service beginning at 12 noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Father Tom Belczak from St. Kenneth Catholic Church will officiate the service. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Michigan Humane , 2937 E. Grand Blvd. Suite 800, Detroit, MI 4820 or the Huron Valley Humane Society , 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.