Barbara J. Kutchinski, age 77, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2009. Barbara grew up in Ludington and was a 1950 graduate of St. Simon’s High School. She was a very resourceful, light-hearted, and free-spirited person who shared whatever she had with others, including advice. Barbara liked embroidering, gardening, and the companionship of her animals. Barbara is survived by her children, Kathy (Kurt) Gillhespy of Cedar Springs, Tom (Diane) Kutchinski of Grandville, Denise (Mike) Smith of Lowell; 5 grandchildren;  Kevin, Kris, Kim, Hannah, Sarah. She was preceded in death by her son, Mikey, brothers, Paul, Mike, sister, Tessie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas Page officiating. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary was prayed at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan or the Kent County Humane Society. Relatives and friends met with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Pederson Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass at the church on Thursday.
Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com