Barbara A. Hildebrand

HILDEBRAND, Barbara A. VanHyfte-DeForest
of Comstock, Michigan Went to be with the Lord, Monday. August 11, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Josephine VanHyfte and was born on July 3, 1944 in Kalamazoo. Barb graduated from St.Augustine in 1962 and married John DeForest right after graduation. After 25 years of marriage, John died in a plane crash. Barb met Jim Hildebrand and they were married in June of 1988. Barb will be remembered for her gifts of hospitality and generosity. She worked for many years at Kalamazoo Valley Family Church and was willing to serve whenever needed. She never refused to offer help to those in need. Barb loved to watch birds and all wildlife and took great pleasure in gardening. She especially loved caring for her grandchildren. She was a friend to all. Surviving Barb are her children, Mark Diane DeForest of Jacksonville, FL and Elizabeth Ann Bruce Clapp of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Darien DeForest, Stuart, Trevor, Jacob, Olivia, William and Catherine Clapp, Cole Lucas, Elijah, Ezekiel and Caleb Bombich; brother, John Jacqueline VanHyfte of Indiana; a special sister-in-law and friend, Margaret DeForest Doug Smith; brothers-in-law, Doug Buschoug and Richard Hildebrand; sister-in-law, Peggy Dennis Jones; father and mother-in-law, Howard Maribel Hildebrand. Also surviving are Jim's children, Amber Lucas of Kalamazoo and Myriah Matt Bombich of Vicksburg. Also preceding her was her sister, Mary VanHyfte Buschoug. Left to cherish Barb's memories are nieces, nephews and many friends. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Barb's life will be held Thursday, August 14th from 11:00AM to 3:00PM at Valley Family Church, Kalamazoo, 995 Romence, Pastors Jeff and Beth Jones, officiating. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Hwy, Comstock. www.langelands.com 343-1508